Trustees Week 2024: Insights from departing trustees Dominique Jones and Trish Buchan
This week, we celebrate the contributions of two extraordinary PAVO trustees: Vice Chair Dominique Jones and Trish Buchan, who has been a trustee since 2018.
As they step down, Dominique and Trish reflect on their time with PAVO. Dominique highlights her involvement in appointing CEO Clair Swales as a significant achievement, while Trish emphasises the life-saving support PAVO provided during the darkest days of the Covid pandemic.
Their reflections are a testament to their dedication and commitment to supporting PAVO. We extend our gratitude for their hard work and service. Their legacy serves as an inspiration for future trustees who will carry the mission forward.
Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, said: “We are grateful to Dominique and Trish for their years of service, championing the voluntary sector and always striving for excellence.
“Their expertise and knowledge will be truly missed. On behalf of PAVO I wish them well for the future”
Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees, adds: “Thank you, Dominique and Trish, for your support and wisdom. Your tireless efforts have really made a difference to people in Powys.
“You have both been incredible assets to PAVO, setting the standard for what it means to be engaged, forward-thinking, and passionate trustees. We will miss you.”
1. What motivated you to become a trustee, and how has that motivation evolved over time?
Dominique: “I have been involved with the voluntary sector both as a volunteer and a trustee in various organisations since I was 16 years old. My father set the stage with his endless efforts to establish projects and services for the community, particularly in the art world, so it was probably in my DNA.
“My grandfather and father were great socialists and believed that with rights comes responsibility, and that we have a collective obligation to contribute, support, and care for each other and our communities. That has remained my driving force.
“Since arriving in Powys in 2007, I have always worked closely with PAVO, developing policy and strategy, commissioning services, etc. I have watched the organisation change and evolve over that time.
“When former PAVO CEO Carl Cooper approached me about becoming a co-opted Board Member in 2021, I sensed change was on the horizon and felt I could provide some continuity through that period.”
Trish: “I joined PAVO as an ex officio Trustee by virtue of my role as Independent Member (Third Sector) on Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB).
“I previously worked for PAVO as the Health and Social Care Facilitator, so I understood the organisation from an operational perspective.
“My initial motivation was to keep in contact with the Third Sector. I needed to understand the issues the sector was experiencing to inform my contribution to Board discussions on strategic planning of health services for people in Powys.
“As time progressed, in both the Health Board and PAVO, I learned more about the importance of good governance, what it looks like, and, crucially, how it is achieved.
“Latterly, I became committed to demonstrating that PAVO works within its constitution, within its budget, and within the law; that it is transparent, fair, effective, efficient, and accountable.”
2. What were your primary responsibilities as a trustee, and how did you prioritise them?
Dominique Jones
Dominique: “For the first year as a Board Member, I supported in whatever way was required, whether that be Listen and Learn visits, working or planning groups, or taking part in staff development days.
“By year two, I was Vice Chair and worked closely with Jamie (Chair) to implement the recruitment process for the new CEO. There was a lot of hard work done behind the scenes to ensure we implemented the best and most equitable process, while ensuring staff were supported to maintain ongoing delivery of the PAVO business plan.
“I have also been the Board Lead for Health and Safety and continued with other day-to-day activity where a Board Member can add value.
“I do not believe in just sitting there: clearly, people do what they can, but it is important to meet both the legal and moral obligations of being a fully engaged Trustee. Therefore, you make the time whenever possible.”
Trish: “For the most part, my role related to attendance at committee meetings, reading the papers thoroughly, and considering what questions needed to be asked to gain assurance of good governance.
“In the Third Sector, where so much is going on, it is easy to be distracted and overwhelmed by information. I prioritised by ensuring that I kept key meeting dates free and focused on what I needed to know to fulfil my responsibilities as a trustee.
“I attended PAVO staff events and third sector networks such as the Social Value Forum. I also sat on grant awarding panels, participated in interviews for senior officers, and visited community groups as part of my PAVO Trustee role.”
3. What do you consider your most significant accomplishments during your tenure?
Dominique: “Appointing and working with CEO Clair Swales has been probably the most important piece of work. Jamie and I have worked seamlessly to oversee Clair’s work, providing support and encouragement if and when necessary, and it has been immensely enjoyable.
“I can’t claim any accomplishments really – the team is so hardworking and committed that they do all the accomplishing.
“What I can say is that due to the diligence of Angela, Janet, and the team, I am confident as Health and Safety Lead that all risks are minimised!”
Trish: “That is difficult to answer. Trustees’ work is about the long term – strategy and culture.
“Seldom is it possible to draw a direct line from a decision that you have made to a specific outcome. The role is about being a critical friend to the organisation: offering challenge and support to senior management.
“I am most proud of the role PAVO, its staff, the wider sector, and volunteers played in the multi-agency response to the pandemic. It made practical and emotional support for vulnerable people possible in the darkest days of Covid. I believe it saved lives.”
Trish Buchan
4. How has your understanding of the organisation and its mission changed since you began?
Dominique: “I think the organisation is still working through some of the key issues and strategic objectives it had when I joined the Board.
“However, the organisation is now unrecognisable compared to what it was in 2007. I think the next stage is going to be challenging and will need staff to be resilient, open-minded, and flexible.
“Furthermore, it has never been so important to have an organisation like PAVO, representing and championing the third and community sector.”
5. What lessons have you learned that you would like to share with future trustees?
Dominique: “PAVO is a vital part of the public services jigsaw. In fact, it could be argued that the third and community sector could be the last service standing in a time of crisis – COVID showed us that.
“As a Trustee, you have a huge amount of responsibility to make sure you are engaged, have good oversight, and are comfortable and capable of championing the wider membership. This cannot be done by just showing up at a meeting every quarter and approving things without thoughtful consideration.”
Trish: “The best and most searching questions are often asked by new trustees, who have not been part of previous decision-making.
“They are seeking to make sense of why something is done one way rather than another. These seemingly naïve questions help more experienced trustees reflect on why they have made a particular choice and whether it is still relevant.”
6. How do you believe the role of a trustee can evolve in the future?
Dominique: “The role of a Trustee is set in Charity Law – a trustee can develop their own role within that legal framework and evolve it to be the most effective Trustee they can be.”
Trish: “Evidencing good governance will become increasingly more important, and I believe that there will be a stronger focus on evidencing environmental and social impacts.”
7. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee?
Dominique: “Understand the requirements and be an active, engaged Board Member. It is a very enjoyable and rewarding role to have and should be seen as a privilege.”
Trish: “Make sure you understand the time commitment and are prepared to fulfil it.”
8. What will you miss most about being a trustee?
Dominique: “I have met some great people, particularly staff, but if I am honest, I will miss working closely with Jamie and Clair. They have been great fun and have brought valuable skills to the table. We have been honest, respectful, and most importantly, had a sense of humour.”
Trish: “Meeting colleagues, hearing about the amazing work of PAVO and the wider sector.”
9. Are there any final thoughts or reflections you would like to share about your experience?
Dominique: “I am sad to be leaving, but it is important to leave before you start to disengage.
“I’m not in the best of health and have lots of other things I want to do. I wish PAVO and the whole of the third and community sector in Powys and beyond the very best of luck.”