Trustees play a vital role in providing strategic guidance and governance, ensuring charities can deliver essential services to communities across Ireland. This Giving Tuesday we’re shining a light on Boards of Trustees across the country. Here we chat to Peter Cosgrove Chair of Charities Institute Ireland and Chair of Generation Ireland.

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m the CEO of Futurewise and support organisations navigate the rapidly changing world of work. I’m also a keynote speaker and an author, having published ‘Fun Unplugged’ and ‘Family Fun Unplugged’. Outside of this I am Chair of Charities Institute Ireland and Chair of Generation Ireland.

What does being a Charity Trustee mean to you?

The very first time I got involved in the charity, somebody said to me, you know, you’ll get a lot more out of this, than you put into it. When you meet service users, when you meet people who actually benefit from the charity or the community group that you’re involved in, it’s incredibly powerful.

What did you find most surprising about becoming a Trustee?

I think you need to realise the decisions you make can have huge and lasting impacts for a charity.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Trustee?

Just because you’re an expert in one area of life does not mean you’re an expert in all areas of life. So, if you come into a charity, the starting point is usually fairly humbling. You sit back and you listen and you understand the charity.

What one word would you use to sum up being a Trustee?

Service.

Ready to put your hand up and join a charity board? Find out more at www.charitiesinstitute.ie.