Khushbu highlights important role of trustees in our community

Khushbu Goulden, one of the newest trustees at York charity St Leonard’s Hospice, believes more people, especially young people, would find the role of a trustee very rewarding and says she would really encourage them to explore it further. She is on a mission to highlight how trustees can bring huge benefits to both the organisation and the person.

“It’s really important for me to do what fulfils me,” says Khushbu. “We’re often too focused on the day to day, rather than focused on what is our role in society and how do we give back – I find being a trustee is a privilege – it brings so much reward and I feel it can fit well together with other roles in the workplace.”

Khushbu feels it’s important to present a different image to the one people may have of the ‘typical trustee’. Many people think it is something they consider to do on retirement, she says, but she actually took up the position whilst on maternity leave and began bringing her new-born daughter into the St Leonard’s boardroom for the first few meetings.

“Why wait until you wind down – what’s stopping you do something to make an impact on our community today?” she says.

Originally Indian and born and raised in Spain, Khushbu has lived in the UK for the past 16 years and moved to York in 2020.

Her inspiration to join the board of trustees came after her sister in law, Natalie, was cared for by the Hospice. She was only 30 years old when she died of cervical cancer in 2018.

“I’d never had first-hand experience of a Hospice and was struck by how amazing the care was. Everything they did for Nat was incredible. So when my job brought me to York in 202, I really wanted to give back to the Hospice.

“It was a no-brainer for me to reach out to see how I could best volunteer,” she explained.

“I’m so passionate about what the Hospice does and am completely driven to help in any way I can. I also saw the opportunities of this role, helping me to see how to bridge the gap between the sectors and learning a new skill. At the same time, I think I’m a ‘critical friend’ on the board, bringing fresh ideas to the table.”

Khushbu believes everyone has a role to play in supporting the voluntary sector – whether it is organising a fundraising event, running a marathon, volunteering or becoming a trustee.

“My brother in law is an inspiration to me. He has been running and fundraising constantly for the Hospice since his wife died. Everyone has a role to play – you should follow what your passion is and if you really want something, just do it today,” she pleas.

More info about Trustees Week 2022 https://trusteesweek.org – This year’s theme is making a difference in changing times.