Andrew Purkis is a mentor for our Chairs in Need service. He is currently a trustee of Choose Love and of the Directory of Social Change, and vice-chair of PCC of St Mary and St John the Divine, in Balham, London. He has over 40 years’ experience of being on boards.
Board experience
How did you first get interested in being a board member? When I left the Civil Service and began to work at the NCVO, I came across a lot of excellent charities and was soon lured onto the board of Contact a Family. Ever since I have always enjoyed contributing in this way to causes that excite me.
What do you enjoy about being a board member or chair? Firstly, it’s the satisfaction of making a really important contribution to a great cause. Secondly, it’s lovely to interact with varied, committed people – both fellow trustees/directors and the staff and volunteers. I love the inter-generational mix. Thirdly, it’s a privilege to be there to support the full-time staff and help them be the best they can be.
What aspects of being a board member/ chair do you find challenging? I have generally been very lucky, and have not had to go through the emotional roller coaster of sackings at board or staff level or faction-fighting or nasty grievance procedures. At times, it’s astonishing what other chairs have had to go through without any recompense and with scant appreciation. Difficult issues for me over the years have included significant divisions between staff and among some staff and the board over emotive issues, especially racism and anti-racism.
Being a member of the AoC
Why did you join the Association of Chairs? Because there are distinctive challenges and learnings for chairs and the AoC is the organisation to help with them.
What have you found helpful about your membership? Most important now is the vital match-making service between chairs who can offer mentoring (as I now can) and chairs who feel they would benefit from it. Thanks to AoC, I have now mentored relatively inexperienced chairs of six different charities, with real interest and satisfaction for me as a way of contributing to a good cause and committed person, and, I feel sure, giving important benefits to them. I hope very much that this aspect of AoC’s work can develop strongly in the years ahead.
Andrew’s insights
What is your advice to anyone aspiring to be a chair or trustee? Go for it if you are sure you believe thoroughly in the cause and have the time and commitment to give generously. It’s both a wonderful experience and a serious responsibility, with no place for half-heartedness. And: remember it’s a team effort, listen carefully to others, and if you are the chair you’re the conductor of the orchestra without the applause, so don’t try to play the solos.
Are there any tips you would pass on to trustees / chairs? Never forget to say thank you and explicitly appreciate the work that staff and other trustees put in.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Although some chairs like extra meetings (whether in person or Zoom) as a way of networking and mutual support and learning, very many don’t. They prefer access to materials and advice on the website or individual advice or mentoring. That’s why I’m so keen on mentoring – it’s a safe space, and the whole conversation focuses on the challenges and opportunities for that particular chair – excellent and intensive use of time on both sides, not too demanding, and free.
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