Beyond the day job: meet the charity trustees at Blake Morgan

From scanning concert tickets and buying toys to running a Sunday crèche and, in one case, regularly going to the circus, being a charity trustee can take you well beyond the typical boardroom.

Across Blake Morgan, colleagues give their time and expertise to charities and community organisations alongside their day jobs. Their causes are very different, spanning music, theatre and contemporary circus to supporting families and local church communities. But speak to them about trusteeship and some common themes quickly emerge – purpose, people, perspective and a willingness to get stuck in.

For Trustees’ Week 2026, we spoke to Katie Edwards, Natalie Lawley, Dan Taylor, Rachel Sales and Lee Fisher about life beyond the day job, asking what prompted them to become trustees, what really happens behind the scenes and why they would encourage others to consider doing the same.

Why I said yes

For Katie Edwards, becoming a trustee of NEW Sinfonia brought together a personal passion for music with a belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience it.

Based in North Wales, NEW Sinfonia comprises a chamber orchestra, community choir and academy, making music accessible to communities across the region and beyond.

As someone who has greatly benefitted from access to music throughout my life, I am a passionate believer that people need music and everybody should be able to walk into a concert or music event, whatever genre, and feel like they belong.

That sense of access is shared by Natalie Lawley, Trustee, Non-Executive Director and Vice Chair of the Board at Theatr Iolo, whose work brings theatre experiences to young audiences across Wales and beyond.

“Every child deserves access to creativity and culture. Supporting Theatr Iolo means helping to bring inspiring theatre experiences to young people across Wales, the UK and beyond.”

For Natalie, there was an immediate connection. From her first meeting with the board, she says the organisation’s aims and ethos left her “inspired and energised”.

For Rachel Sales, meanwhile, the cause could hardly be closer to home. Cowley Child Contact Centre is a small Oxford charity providing a safe, supported environment where children from separated families can maintain relationships with non-resident parents, siblings and other family members.

The charity matters to me as we very much operate in and serve our local community. The service provides the opportunity for children to maintain vital contact with both sides of their family.

Different causes and different motivations, but the same desire to contribute to something that matters.

The moment that made it worthwhile

A trustee’s work can involve strategy papers, governance, budgets and risk registers. Its impact, however, is ultimately measured in people.

Dan Taylor, a leader and trustee of his local church, says the moments that stay with him are when he can see the difference the church is making.

The biggest thing for me is watching others grow and seeing lives change through the work happening in our community. As trustees, much of our work happens behind the scenes through governance, financial oversight and planning, but seeing how those decisions and foundations help contribute to the work of others is great.

Natalie has been able to experience that impact particularly close to home by attending Theatr Iolo performances with her children.

“I’ve attended Theatr Iolo performances with my own children and seen first-hand the impact theatre can have on young imaginations. That’s what makes trusteeship so rewarding.”

Seeing children become absorbed in the stories and characters on stage, she says, is a reminder that “behind every board paper and decision are real children whose lives are being enriched through the arts.”

For Lee Fisher, a trustee of NoFit State, one defining period arrived soon after he joined its board: the COVID pandemic. With income from performances and classes disappearing, maintaining the charity was an enormous challenge.

“It helped the core of the company build as a team and built resilience into everything we have done since.”

Sometimes the moments that make trusteeship worthwhile are celebrations. At others, they are challenges, which show just how important a resilient organisation and strong team can be.

What people don’t see

The word “trustee” might conjure images of board meetings and weighty governance papers. The reality can be rather more varied.

Rachel is just as likely to be speaking to the landlord or shopping for the children using the Contact Centre, as she is making a strategic decision.

“The fact that I am a trustee does not mean I am excused from the day-to-day jobs that need to be actioned. In practice I am as likely to be contacting our landlord about maintenance issues on site or buying toys for the Centre as making strategic decisions.”

Katie has had a similarly hands-on experience as NEW Sinfonia has grown. Alongside her governance responsibilities, she has scanned tickets at concerts, handed out programmes and even poured champagne for supporters.

“Thankfully, as the organisation continues to grow it is ever less likely that I will take out a supporter’s eye with a champagne cork by accident!”

And Dan sums up the breadth of trusteeship at a smaller charity neatly:

“I love the variety and it’s brilliant to jump from things like dealing with church finances and policies and procedures to running the crèche on a Sunday morning.”

Clearly, trusteeship is not always just about taking a seat at the board table.

A skill I never expected to use

One of the strengths of charity boards is the range of experience different trustees can bring to them, including skills which may seem firmly rooted in the day job.

Natalie has found that her legal expertise and professional network can both make a practical difference.

“I’ve been able to support Theatr Iolo with property expertise and use my professional network to raise awareness of the charity across Cardiff.”

Rachel also draws on skills from her working life, particularly in her role as one of Cowley Child Contact Centre’s safeguarding leads. Multi-tasking and remaining calm under pressure become particularly valuable when the charity is dealing with emotionally difficult situations.

For Lee, however, there is still one skill waiting to be deployed.

Go to the circus regularly… although I have not performed my amazing juggling tricks in public yet!

Perhaps some professional boundaries are best maintained.

What being a trustee has taught me

The flow of experience between trusteeship and professional life works both ways.

For Katie, one of the biggest benefits has been confidence.

“My fellow trustees have been incredibly supportive and generous with their time and insights, which has empowered me to contribute in a way I didn’t think possible when I first started.”

Natalie says five years of board experience, culminating in her position as Vice Chair, has broadened her commercial awareness and given her a valuable perspective when advising clients.

Trusteeship has given me invaluable board-level insight into strategy, finance and leadership, making me a better lawyer by helping me better understand the challenges my clients face every day.

Dan, who works in Risk and Compliance at Blake Morgan, has taken something equally important from his trustee role.

“Being a trustee has reinforced the importance of balancing good governance with compassion and how the work that we do is about people and purpose, not just policies and processes!”

And for Lee, the biggest lesson can be expressed much more simply:

“Enjoyment and camaraderie lie at the heart of every successful team.”

Why I’d recommend it

So, what would they say to somebody contemplating their first trustee position?

Katie’s advice is simple:

“Don’t assume you have nothing to offer, you absolutely do. Go for it!”

Rachel recommends doing your homework first, understanding the organisation and its needs, and then getting involved wholeheartedly:

“Make sure you carry out your research in advance but be prepared to get stuck in once you have selected your chosen charity.”

Dan acknowledges that the role can bring challenges alongside the rewards but believes that is part of its value.

“It’s a great opportunity to use your skills and experience all whilst making a difference to a cause that’s close to your heart.”

Or, as Lee puts it:

“Take the plunge and enjoy the ride.”

The causes our trustees support may be very different, but their experiences demonstrate that trusteeship is about far more than giving something back. It can build confidence, broaden professional experience, introduce new perspectives and create connections with people and communities outside our everyday working lives.

And whether you find yourself scrutinising a strategy, thinking about safeguarding, pouring champagne, running a crèche or simply enjoying a night at the circus, it seems there is no such thing as a typical day in the life of a charity trustee.