Trustee Connect – championing the difference an effective Employee Trustee can make
So you’re an Employee Trustee. Maybe new in post, maybe not, but conscious that the role you’ve taken on carries all the responsibilities of a board-level director and is integral to the governance of your employee-owned (EO) business.
Kathie Robb, JGA Associate and host of Trustee Connect (with 'friend'!)
Yet, perhaps, it’s also come with no clear ‘job description’, no training, no personal development support and no extra time to get to grips with what being an Employee Trustee really involves.
Where can you go for support?
This was the challenge that led JGA to launch Trustee Connect in 2020. Fast forward four years and our insightful open forum for Employee Trustees is on a roll – with healthy numbers at each confidential online quarterly meeting.
The depth and quality of topic being shared has also matured.
Free to current and previous employee-owned clients that we (and now our Telos Partners colleagues) have supported, Trustee Connect was set up to enable Employee Trustees to network, share best practice and explore common challenges together.
Today it’s fulfilling its goal – supporting Employee Trustees to maximise their value by giving them the clarity, support and confidence they need to be effective in this unique board-level role.
Developing trustees’ confidence and understanding
JGA Associate Kathie Robb has been at the helm from the start and is thrilled at the way Trustee Connect has evolved. The last 12 months have been especially exciting, she says.
‘We’ve seen lots of new faces as well as regular returners, which helps to create a lovely dynamic for stimulating conversation and debate.
‘Building a network of great trustees who can reach out to others in the same position for help, support and advice has been a particular highlight for me.’
Creating a safe place to talk
Kathie ensures each session is a ‘safe place’ for trustees to talk
Is Kathie surprised at the way in which the conversation has matured? ‘Not at all,’ she says.
‘Employee Trustees tend to be respected, capable, invested people who have a passion for their work and business – alongside a sound understanding of what’s important to ensure its long-term success and how best to benefit their colleagues.
‘It’s a wide-ranging, varied role where there’s no ‘one size fits all’.
‘This means that pretty much every Employee Trustee has to make the role their own through trial and error, which is why having a safe place to talk where no topic is ‘off limits’ is so important. We enjoy great conversations every time.’
Giving trustees the space and time to grow
‘Where Employee Trustees are given the opportunity to invest time and energy in their own development, time to liaise and converse with their colleagues… and where they’re valued and integrated into the Trust Board on an equal footing – that’s when… the business sees how vital a great Employee Trustee is’
Kathie Robb, JGA Associate and host of Trustee Connect
Unfortunately, one thing that hasn’t evolved since 2020 is the level of understanding in many EO businesses of what an Employee Trustee is or does.
‘There’s huge variation in how well businesses understand the role and its value,’ Kathie agrees. ‘In my experience, it’s the minority of employers who ‘get’ it, but when they do we see the trustees ‘fly’.
‘Where Employee Trustees are given the opportunity to invest time and energy in their own development, time to liaise and converse with their colleagues on a regular basis, and where they’re valued and integrated into the Trust Board on an equal footing – that’s when we and (of course) the business see how vital a great Employee Trustee is.
‘Sadly, quite often a trustee is simply given the role or elected/selected without really knowing what’s required and without a clear role profile. If you’re the only Employee Trustee – or if this is a new role to your business – you can feel daunted, uncertain and very alone.’
Learning from the experience of others
JGA’s MD Jeremy Gadd often joins Kathie at Trustee Connect meetings
This is where Trustee Connect comes into its own.
‘We’ve created a relaxed environment where there’s no such thing as a ‘stupid’ question,’ Kathie explains. ’All comments, questions, challenges and observations/experiences are welcomed and, within the group, everything is confidential.
‘New Employee Trustees can gain insight, information and advice from others who might have dealt with similar situations.
‘They can also reap the benefit of the experience and knowledge brought by our MD Jeremy, who often joins with other members of the JGA team.
‘Equally, experienced Employee Trustees can learn from others’ insights and challenges, and bring the benefit of their own time in the role to encourage and support others.’
Building on the success of Trustee Connect
It’s clear Trustee Connect is going from strength to strength. What’s next?
After asking the Employee Trustees what could make the meetings even more useful, a guest speaker will join the next Trustee Connect on 31 October 2024.
Kathie’s inviting an Independent Chair to share their thoughts on running a Trust Board meeting, what makes a great agenda, what they look for in an Employee Trustee and the value they believe the trustee can add.
‘It will be fascinating to have a different perspective on all things Trust Board-related and there will, of course, be plenty of time for an extensive Q&A session,’ Kathie confirms.
JGA is also exploring running a potential in-person Employee Trustee development and networking day, after several Trustee Connect members expressed their interest in such an event.
‘We already know there’s huge benefit in coming together for 90 minutes to talk through what’s on your radar, but investing time in your own development is so key,’ Kathie says.
‘Our Employee Trustee day would focus on building a better understanding of the trustee role and how to build your effectiveness with the Trust Board – combined with the chance to network and focus on the elements of the role that are important to you We’ll keep everyone updated as we have news.’
But that’s not all. On the back of Trustee Connect’s success, JGA and Telos Partners are expanding our Connect networks for employee-owned clients – starting with MD Connect which will be headed up by Telos Consultant Alex Bloom.
Great people, good discussion – the power of Trustee Connect
Trustee Connect is 'energising, challenging and enjoyable', Kathie says
So the future’s looking good. If Kathie had to choose three words to describe her journey with Trustee Connect, what would they be?
‘Energising, challenging and enjoyable,’ she says.
‘Energising – because the group brings so much passion and focus that it’s hard not to be inspired by them!
‘Challenging – because the bigger the group, the wider the range of topics and it’s important to ensure every trustee feels included and heard, even if we can’t always get through it all. If that happens, I’ll always invite them to contact me after if they have a burning issue or anything else we can help with.
And enjoyable? ‘No surprises here,’ concludes Kathie. ‘Great people, good discussion and a voyage of discovery. What’s not to like about Trustee Connect?!’
Want to join Trustee Connect or know an Employee Trustee who might? Visit our Trustee Connect page and register for our next meeting here