Roma Hooper is one of our Chairs In Need mentors and an AoC member. She has over 30 years’ experience on boards, both as a chair and a trustee, and is currently a trustee of The Comedy School.
How did you first get interested in being a board member?
By chance! There was absolutely nothing out there to support trustees and chairs except the Directory of Social Change. I became chair of my son’s parents association in the very early 90s. A baptism by fire…
Why did you get involved with your current organisation?
I absolutely love being a trustee of The Comedy School. The director and I first met at Feltham Young Offenders where he was making a film. Comedy is crucial to our well being and never more so when people are in prison, have mental health issues, and are veterans, (areas where we do our work).
What do you enjoy about being a chair?
I love being part of a team and building relationships. I enjoy supporting others and guiding them through the good and bad times. It’s very important to listen to people’s views and allow them to speak, particularly at board meetings.
What aspects of being a chair do you find challenging?
When people aren’t open about their concerns. I feel very strongly about establishing an open door policy with both trustees and staff. I can’t do my job as chair without trust. Now that so much is done on zoom, particularly board meetings, this can be very challenging.
When and why did you join the Association of Chairs?
2016 – At that time I was chair of the Prison Radio Association and Spark Inside and was needing added support and knowledge. Then Josie Hinton [former AoC programme manager] invited me to join the Advisory Group (small charities programme) in 2017.
What have you found helpful about your membership?
I really enjoyed being a member of the Advisory Group and getting to know Danny Curtin [ former chair of AoC]. It doesn’t matter how much you think you know about being a chair, you don’t know as much as you think! I am still learning and really value the services provided by the AoC.
I was also involved in the Chair to Chair supper initiative which sadly stopped due to Covid, and I am involved in the initiative Chairs in Need – an absolutely brilliant project.
What is your advice to anyone aspiring to be a chair or trustee?
Join the AoC. Get involved with the services and support they provide. Take advantage of the Chairs in Need programme and get to know others.
Are there any tips you would pass on to trustees and chairs?
- Listen and learn.
- Be kind.
- Leave your ego at the door.
- Be diplomatic and polite.
- Build a good relationship with your chair and other trustees.
- Be willing to challenge when appropriate.
- Be inclusive and value difference.
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