Tracy Coates

1. First of all, about you: what attracted you to becoming a chair/trustee?

I was active in the association as an elected officer and when we became a charity my role changed to a trustee in line with charity status. This offered me a great opportunity to develop myself and the association and I looked forward to the challenge.
  
2. Which organisation(s) do you represent?

Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP).

3. What particularly attracted you to this organisation?

I have worked in a perioperative clinical environment (operating theatre) for over twenty years and it is a passion of mine. I wanted to be part of an organisation that supported staff in the perioperative environment to deliver the best possible care for patients. 

4. Is there anything that would make you an even more effective trustee/chair?

I currently work full-time in addition to my trustee role and even though this informs my knowledge and improves my credibility the time factor is an issue. However, this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of working hard to enable the success of the organisation.

5. What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your role?

Definitely financial knowledge and acuity in these highly challenging times. Luckily we get a lot of support from our organisational management structure on these issues.   

6. What do you consider the most satisfying aspect of your role?

Seeing the association represented at a national level and giving its members a voice to influence and contribute to the high quality care of patients within the perioperative environment. 

7. Do you think there is enough general recognition of the value of the trustee/chair role?

I think that the level of commitment and hard work can be underestimated but in my organisation it is well recognised and supported by board colleagues and by the organisation’s management.

8. (If you have  been a trustee/chair for some time) have you felt that the demands made on trustees/chairs have grown over time?

I think awareness of the role of a trustee develops over time and as you become personally more developed this naturally leads to more demands.

9. What do you think is the ideal term of office that a trustee/chair should serve?

Two to three years.

10. What tip would you give to a new trustee?

Talk to everyone, access the Charity Commission’s website and trusteenet.org.uk so that you are you are well prepared before you commit and enjoy!

11. If you weren’t a trustee, what would you do with that time?

I would like to say I would continue with getting fitter (I am currently on a regime) but I’d probably spend more time on my day job work, as I work for the National Health Service.

12. What steps do you take to increase/retain your organisation’s membership?

Lots of member engagement. We are currently working on new strategies to revitalise the existing as well as new members e.g. incentives for attending educational events.  

13. What question do you want to ask next week’s trustee?

Do you know what your employer’s policy is on employees committing to voluntary trustee work and would they be supportive?

For your opportunity to answer Tracy’s question, please click on the link which takes you to the Forum.