Ruth Spellman OBE has been a trustee at the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) since 2019. Here, she shares her reflections on being a trustee for this year’s Trustee Week.
I became a trustee of ETF in 2019 whilst I was working full time at the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). Initially it was hard to fit into a busy schedule, but I wanted to get involved in ETF because of its specific leadership role in workforce development. I realised that people working in charities like the WEA had no access to professional development and I wanted us to be a lead employer with the best management and teaching practices. Also, after many years’ experience as CEO of Investors in People, two professional lead bodies, and the WEA, I hoped I could contribute to the future of ETF.
I have learnt how to be an effective non-executive director (NED) through working with three very different, but very talented, Chairs and a Board which includes some amazing people. They bring all the disciplines together. I have enjoyed the cut and thrust of Board debates and discussions, and have contributed where I can. I have learnt not to second guess executive decisions but to present options for the executive to consider. And I have worked with executive team members outside formal meetings. I have even enjoyed belonging to the Audit Committee, learning from a very capable and inclusive Chair.
The recent research I did on leadership was quite powerful and I have shared it widely with key influencers and educationalists. I have also enjoyed working on the Brand and our membership offer.
My advice to anyone thinking of being a trustee is to go for it. Always multiply the time commitment required by at least two. You gain as much as you give and it’s very useful to find out how Boards work before you Chair one – and you will learn a lot from Board colleagues.
It’s also a great way to meet new people with different perspectives on the same issues and to build your contacts.