For Trustees’ Week 2024 we spoke to Nicola Howard, who has been a Community Southwark trustee for an incredible 8 years, including 4 as Chair.
Nicki has been a core part of Community Southwark as we have evolved through challenges, change and expansion. She will be standing down this year, and passing the torch to Winnie. Nicki has brought a wealth of local knowledge, leadership and commitment to supporting Southwark’s communities, as well as being a huge support staff, attending and contributing toward Community Southwark events. The whole team will miss her!
This Trustees’ Week, we celebrate Nicki, Winnie, Community Southwark’s incoming Chair, and all of our incredible trustees who give their time, skills, and passion to make a difference.
How long have you been a Trustee with Community Southwark?
I became a Trustee a little over eight years ago, and Chair for four years – time has really flown
What made you want to become a Community Southwark Trustee?
The opportunity to be a more active member within an organisation that provides a voice for the community and voluntary sector in the borough.
Having the chance to be closer to the work CS does on behalf of its members has reinforced how important it is to have an independent charity that represents us. I definitely feel the sector has become stronger during this time as a result of the work of CS.
What has been a standout moment or the thing you are most proud of achieving as a Trustee?
Helping recruit two amazing Chief Executives, and being part of developing a strong Board of Trustees who are truly representative of the CS membership. A really standout memory was being part of the work CS and the VCS achieved during the Pandemic.
Being a Trustee gave me the opportunity to see in greater detail the amazing work of the VCS in Southwark – something we should collectively be proud of.
What advice would you give to someone who is curious about becoming a Trustee?
Have confidence in the skills you have to offer – you will find some you didn’t know you had, and you will gain lots more.
A heartfelt thank you to Winnie, Nicki and all of our Trustees for their support. Make sure to join us at our AGM to welcome Winnie and thank Nicki.
