Trustees’ Week: Honouring our past, shaping our future

This Trustees’ Week 9-13 November, we’re celebrating the people who help guide our Charity and the dedication, expertise and perspectives they bring to supporting the Civil Service community. 

As we mark our 140^th anniversary, it’s an opportunity to recognise the people who have shaped our journey and those helping us build the future. 

Our story began in 1886, when civil servants came together to support the widows and orphans of colleagues who had died in service. That same spirit of looking out for one another remains at the heart of our Charity today. 

Our board plays a vital role in shaping our strategic direction, overseeing our work and ensuring we continue responding to changing needs of civil servants and their families.

A new chapter, a shared purpose

This year, we welcomed Jo Shanmugalingam as our new Chair of Trustees, succeeding Sir Peter Schofield. 

Our board continues to bring together a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, including Mel Nebhrajani CB and Early Years Trustees Hannah Riley and Oak Watson. 

Together, they reflect the importance of bringing different voices, skills and experiences to the decisions that shape our future.

Reflecting on our 140 year legacy and the important role trustees play in shaping the future, our Early Years Trustees shared their thoughts on the value of diverse perspectives and supporting the Charity’s continued evolution:

Becoming a Trustee has been a privilege. I know how important it is to feel represented and to create space for voices that might not always be heard. I hope to use my role to help build a future for our Charity that is inclusive, responsive and impactful for the communities we serve.

As an Early Career Trustee, I’ve seen the value that diverse perspectives bring to Board discussions. Combining fresh thinking with the experience of fellow trustees helps us make better decisions for the Charity and those who rely on it. As we celebrate 140 years, I’m proud to help shape our future while building on such a strong legacy.

Looking ahead

From our earliest beginning to today, our purpose remains rooted in people supporting one another. 

This Trustees’ Week, we thank all our trustees, past and present, for helping ensure our Charity continues to be there for civil servants, whatever life brings.