Anyone a trustee?

[jclm]

I have been a trustee for a few months. I had hoped the experience would help me in returning to work. But I feel out of my depth. I'm not able to contribute to discussions as I know little about the business side of things, and they don't seem to need my help with my area of expertise. My confidence is low and I feel bad not contributing much, and hubby is getting annoyed having to return home early from work to provide childcare for when I go. I'm seriously considering jacking it in. Just wondering if anyone else has been a trustee and whether these skills can be learned after a while?

I'm a trustee with a few organisations. I've usually been appointed because I do have a lot of business experience, whereas other trustees may not have any. It's not critical to the role. However, I do find where there are too many business people then the discussion tends to centre around the "hard metrics" rather than other meaningful issues. This might be the kind of group you are in and if that's the case, more reason for you to stay!

What kind of organisation is it? Who are the beneficiaries of the trust? What is the purpose? What are the values? Do you understand these and agree with them? If so, that's what is needed. To be effective you also need some meeting skills : might be worth looking at speaking skills, assertiveness etc.

Do you get something out of it? If not, then by all means ditch it. If it is something that you have a passion for then there is every chance your input would be valuable.

Thanks olly. I had hoped to help with events planning (all my experience is in this) but they are paying a member of staff for this so I feel a bit useless, as this was the reason I joined. (I realise the role of a trustee is wide ranging so maybe I need to embrace all the boring bits!)

I am passionate about the cause and the client group. And I am learning from the trustee meetings. But I feel isolated from the other trustees (they are a bit cliquey and do not take what I say seriously) and they seem to focus on issues that I cannot help with. Yes I probably do need to do some assertiveness training etc.

I'd give it time ...if they have been 'working' together a long time they probably know each other really well ...not cliquely as much as unthinking.
As events come up you can offer to help - and make suggestions for different things ...they will probably welcome some fresh ideas...new energy.
Staff member would probably welcome some input too - our staff tend to try and make it as easy as possible for the (unpaid) trustees - so whilst they might not ask they do appreciate the help.
I'm a trustee for a couple of things and I know we tend to get into the same patterns....do the same things. But we will listen ...maybe come up with a project and ask for it to go onto the agenda for the next meeting ...

Thanks unlucky - great suggestions. I am struggling with my lack of confidence and feeling that the other trustees do not value my input. I don't have the confidence to suggest a project and put it on the agenda. I haven't worked for a few years, since my last job ended on bad terms (redundancy after two maternity leaves in short succession) and I have just been a mum for a few years. Have I forgotten how to work?! Now I am dreading the next trustee meeting and wondering whether to resign

Then I would just keep going and keep your head down until you do feel more confident...and you will once you get used to it and get to know the people there better...

I'm sure before you became a SAHM you were confident in your work - you made a valid contribution...
you just need to remember that and give yourself a break ...