Borders Organisations Facing Trustee Crisis

The Borders is facing a volunteering crisis as an after-effect of the Covid pandemic which is now threatening the future of some of the region’s community organisations and charities.

Ahead of the National Trustees Week, in the first week of November, Borders Community Action is looking to recruit individuals from a range of backgrounds to fulfil positions of trustees for local charities and organisations.

Their Chief Executive Juliana Amaral explains how the picture has changed after the pandemic: “The Scottish Borders has a strong tradition of volunteering and this continues today with some fantastic people playing key roles in their community organisations and local charities.

“But we know so many of our great organisations are struggling for volunteers. Lots of people gave up during and after the pandemic and haven’t been replaced. This shortage presents a threat to the much needed work and provision of so many community organisations and charities.

“We also know that there are lots of folk in the Borders with the skills and knowledge that charities and community organisations need but perhaps don’t know how or where to volunteer. So, we’d love to hear from them and match them to an organisation.”

There are more than 1,000 voluntary organisations in the Borders ranging from village halls and town gardening clubs to food banks and sports, arts and cultural organisations.

John Evans, Deputy CEO of Borders Community Action, added: “A lot of people don’t realise what they can get out of being a trustee and that’s something we’re trying to get across during the next few weeks.

“I have been a trustee since quite young and in the early days I found it a great way to learn about how to be part of a board, which gave me great experience for my career. You are mixing with a wide range of people as a trustee, and learn lots from experienced chairs, finance directors and creative people of all ages on how to run an organisation.

“And you also get the opportunity to play a part in supporting and helping something that is close to you and your community, and with local organisations you see the results of your endeavours very quickly.

“I have found it hugely beneficial to me and so I would recommend it to people – particularly if you think you have nothing to give. Believe me, you do.”

Borders Community Action support charities and community organisations and are helping to recruit for trustees. If you would like to discuss becoming a volunteer, trustee or committee member in your area then please contact: volunteering@borderscommunityaction.org.uk or call: 0300 1247522.