Sir Frank McLoughlin CBE was appointed chair of ETF’s board in 2023. For this year’s Trustee Week and Lifelong Learning Week, 4-8 November, Frank has shared his reflections on being a trustee, and the valuable opportunities for learning and giving back that this experience offers.
I think being a trustee comes down to two main reasons. The first is that you’re giving something back to an organisation and to society – and you can do that wherever you are in your life, whether you’re a new parent or a retired CEO. In fact, my first trustee role was on the Board of Governors at my daughter’s nursery school, and the perspective I brought was that of being a new parent. Everyone has busy schedules, but being a good trustee is about making space, committing time and ensuring you actively give back.
The second reason is learning. If you are on a Board, you are learning from day one. At ETF, that’s particularly the case, because our business is learning. But wherever you are a trustee, you will always be learning, because you have the privilege to go inside an organisation and learn how it works, which is fascinating. There are some people who primarily look to trustee roles to build their CVs, but ultimately, it is commitment to learning and to giving back that must drive the desire to become a trustee – and it is this that will make you a great trustee.
The stage I am at now – having had a long career that included being a Further Education (FE) Principal and CEO – gives me a particular vantage point that I can bring to an organisation. At ETF, I’m bringing my experience of senior leadership in the FE and Skills sector to bear. Part of that experience includes having mentored other CEOs and Principals. Through that work, I’ve learned to stand back, reflect, and support others in thinking through challenging issues, and that’s been a really useful experience to draw on as chair.
The number one piece of advice I would give is not to think about being a trustee as simply a career building opportunity. Instead, engage in some self-examination and think about what you can bring to the table. Boards should have as many diverse perspectives as possible and that means there is value in being a trustee at every stage of your life or career. You might have experience or knowledge around digital or marketing, for example, or you might be well-positioned to advocate as a parent or a student. Whatever it is, think carefully about your interests and passions, but also balance that with humility and reflection about your strengths and what you can and can’t do.