Lapwing Newsletter
positive learning in Suffolk
Linda Stretch Linda is sadly standing down as a Lapwing Trustee. We wanted to capture her reflections on her time with Lapwing and discover her plans for the future. What made you want to become a trustee? I wanted the opportunity to become even more involved in Lapwing, an organisation I had come to feel part of and emotionally attached to. I also wanted to become involved in supporting the activity of a Charity in my regional community (not a national charity). Becoming a Lapwing trustee would allow me to work with an organisation doing something close to my heart – ie working with marginalised young people and supporting them in achieving their potential and continue to use my HR and board level experience outside of the commercial environment. What aspects of the organisation have you been responsible for? I have been part of a team of Trustees who are responsible for making sure the charity is run well, manages its funds well and carries out the activities it was set up to do and in line with the laws and rules set up by the Government and by the Charity Commission. I have also used my skills and experience to contribute to the development of the organisation’s structure, creation of new posts, job descriptions, strategic plan, governing documents, staff handbook, Lapwing Policies and Procedures, training programmes, performance management system, pay scales, fundraising activities etc.
What have you learned from your time as a Lapwing trustee? I’ve learned how a charity is run, more about our education system, insight into the complexities of funding and have a greater appreciation about the difficulties facing some young people in our region. On a personal level it has been interesting to work in a ‘not for profit’ environment after a career in the private sector. To see students do extraordinary things and dedicated staff facilitating and supporting them is wonderful and heartwarming in a I am also hoping that without the forcynical and corrupt world. mal responsibilities of the role of a Trustee and the time that requires I What have you personally gained might, if any opportunity arises, be of from your time as a Lapwing trustee? use at the ‘sharp end’ with the students The opportunity to make a positive and their learning. contribution to society (ie voluntary role not a commercial contract ‘work in What do you do when you’re not exchange for pay’). working with Lapwing? A couple of years ago I made the deciMy differing perspective on issues facsion to change my working life quite ing the organisation (commercial) can considerably and have gradually rebe useful to the organisation and this linquished my HR contracts in order gives me personal satisfaction. Givto devote as much time as possible to ing this added value is very satisfying delivering music therapy workshops to when it leads to a positive outcome. It’s people in residential care. I work with great to be part of an organisation you groups of residents, many of whom strongly believe in. It’s great to see the have dementia, using the positive and results in action. powerful effects that music and sound frequencies have on wellbeing. I comWould you recommend others to bebine various activities with beautiful come trustees? If so, why? pieces of music that help to synchroYes, if they have the time and comnise the hemispheres of the brain, lift mitment as it can be very rewarding, the mood and increase concentration. thought provoking, challenging. Will you stay associated with Lapwing and if so how? Yes, I will become Lapwing’s first ‘Associate Member’. It was very difficult to make the decision to stand down as a Trustee and I cannot imagine not being involved with Lapwing. I will continue to mentor the senior management of Lapwing, offering my experience and skills whenever they are appropriate.
I love gardening, theatre and concerts and have a busy family life with my husband, three step-children (albeit they are grown-up; twins of 22 and one of 17- they continue to be very demanding!!!) and our rather old black Labrador, Milo.
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