Become a trustee


Charity trustees can come from all walks of life and really are our unsung heroes, giving their time to make sure the charity is financially safe, well run and legally compliant.  One of the most important roles for trustees is to challenge and support their fellow board members and the operational management, ensuring our organisation is the best it can be for carers in Wigan.

What is a trustee?

Hard at work behind the scenes and out of the limelight, which is how they like it, our trustees play a vital leadership role.  Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre trustees make sure they always put Wigan carers at the heart of everything, ensuring the organisation has a clear strategy and vision.  The day-to-day running of the organisation is delegated to staff, led by Chief Officer Bernadette Ashcroft, but our trustees provide overall leadership and ensure the charity is doing what it was set up to do and deliver the best services we can.

Trustees have a diverse range of expertise, skills and experience, including invaluable carer representation.  A number of our trustees have experience of being a carer themselves and became trustees to help make a positive difference to carers’ lives.

We asked some of our trustees what motivates them to give time and energy to Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre.

Chair of the board and trustee, Phil Humphries shares the reasons he wanted to be involved with the centre.  “Having taken early retirement at the end of 2015, I immediately registered for voluntary work as I wanted to do something useful in the community.  I feel very lucky to have joined such a knowledgeable, diverse and dedicated team. 

Becoming a trustee and volunteer has enabled me to get to know the marvellous team of people who run the Carers Centre.  Their dedication and flexibility during these difficult times has been exceptional.  It is a privilege to be part of this organisation.” 

Paul Walton, has been trustee for over nine years and explains “The strength of the trustees as a whole is we all bring different areas of expertise to the process of governance. Views are openly heard and challenged, but always in a supporting manner.  At the heart of what we do is a commitment to providing support and guidance to ensure Wigan’s carers are supported as best they can be.” 

Why become a Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre trustee?

Trustees often say that being a board member is one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives, enabling them to make a significant difference to a cause that matters.  For them it is both a rewarding and enjoyable experience.  Working together as a team, trustees are given the information and support to run the charity effectively, with the opportunity to meet new people and use their skills and experience to make a difference.

How much time does being a trustee take?

Our trustee board meet once a month, traditionally on the second Monday of the month, with additional sub-committees focusing on particular areas (e.g. finance, HR, IT).

Would you like to make a difference?

Are you interested in finding out about becoming a volunteer trustee?

It’s important to have a diverse range of skills on a trustee board, so we are looking for people from all walks of life to become trustees at Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre.

If you think you could contribute to the insights and running of WLCC please feel free to contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Catherine, as we are always interested in welcoming new trustees to the board.

Joe can be contacted on 01942 697885, or emailed at: joe.cobb@wlcccarers.com.

Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We adhere to a policy promoting equality of opportunity.  All staff, volunteers and trustees of Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service Check carried out prior to carrying out any duties (previously known as CRB).