Trustees Week Blog

For Trustees Week this year we sat down with one of our volunteer trustees, Cameron Bailey, to find out a bit more about what it is like to be one of our trustees, and some of the challenges facing Hamilton Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

What made you apply for the role of a trustee for Hamilton CAB?

I've always been passionate about helping others and giving back to my community. Hamilton CAB's mission to provide essential advice and support to those in need resonated deeply with me. I believe that everyone deserves access to justice and fairness, and I'm proud to be part of an organisation that works tirelessly to uphold these values. By volunteering as a trustee, I hope to contribute my skills and experience to help Hamilton CAB continue to make a positive impact on the lives of local residents.

What is the role of a Trustee?

As a trustee of Hamilton CAB, I'm responsible for ensuring the charity operates effectively and ethically. This involves strategic planning, financial oversight, and ensuring that our services align with the needs of the community. We work closely with the management team to set the overall direction of the organisation and maintain an oversight of the financial position of the charity. The decisions we make as a board of trustees help Hamilton CAB to deliver real impact on the lives of thousands of people in our local community.

How does Hamilton CAB make a difference?

Hamilton CAB provides a vital lifeline to individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges. Our dedicated team of advisers offers free, impartial, and confidential advice on various issues, including debt, benefits, housing, employment, and consumer rights. By empowering people with knowledge and support, we help them to resolve problems, make informed decisions, and improve their overall well-being.

What are the main challenges facing Hamilton CAB?

One of the biggest challenges we face is the ever-increasing demand for our services. As we continue to see the impact of the cost-of-living crisis affect people across the community, the number of people who turn to us for support, and the complexity of the issues people encounter, continues to grow. To address this, we continually strive to recruit and train skilled advisers, optimise our processes, and explore innovative ways to deliver our services.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of being a trustee are immense. The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others is incredibly fulfilling. By contributing to the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring its financial sustainability, we can help to empower individuals and create a more just and equitable community.

What do you get out of being a trustee for Hamilton CAB?

One of the most enriching aspects of being a trustee is the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with incredible fellow board members who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. This diversity of perspectives has enriched my own understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our community, has inspired me to continue working towards positive change, and has helped me to develop in my own career.

What have you enjoyed the most about being a trustee for Hamilton CAB?

As a trustee of the Hamilton CAB, I've had the privilege of contributing to an organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of our community. Be it overseeing the organisation’s finances, considering new ways of working, developing new ways to communicate, helping with fundraising, or helping us to find new premises, there is always something interesting to get involved in and contribute to. While the role of trustee is multifaceted, I've found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience.

How can the community support Hamilton CAB?

The community can support the work of Hamilton CAB in several ways:

• Volunteering: we welcome volunteers with diverse skills and backgrounds to help us deliver our mission, from providing advice on the front line or providing administrative and front-of-house support, to contributing the strategic direction of the organisation as a trustee.
• Donations: financial contributions enable us to maintain our offices, recruit and train staff, and invest in technology to improve efficiency.
• Raising awareness: by sharing information about Hamilton CAB's services, you can help ensure that those who need our support are aware of who we are and what we do. You can follow and share our updates on our social channels.

If you would like to find out more about how you can help Hamilton CAB, please email enquiries@hamiltoncab.casonline.org.uk