Our trustees
Trustees play an essential role in the running of a charity, which is almost always unpaid (At Age UK Bristol this is an unpaid role). Whilst it is not a role to be taken on lightly and may be demanding of time and skills, especially within a smaller organisation, it can be rewarding for many reasons.
A charity’s trustees share ultimate responsibility for making sure the charity is doing what it is set up to do, in line with its charitable purposes, and that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They control, and are legally responsible for, a charity’s management and administration, and uphold a responsibility to safeguard the charity’s assets and reputation.
Meet our Trustees
Mina Malpass had a long career in the voluntary sector and has been an active volunteer for older people charities since retiring. Mina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of Chair.
“I wanted to get involved in an organisation that was small, lively, energetic, doing things that are going to make a difference, I have never ceased to be impressed by how amazing Age UK Bristol is.”
Jo Sutton has a background in finance systems and cloud-based solutions for charities. This experience gave Jo an interest and insight into how important it is for organisations to have efficient back-office tools to free up resources to be able to concentrate on their strategic goals. Jo has lived and worked in Bristol since 1987 and when considering various volunteering roles, she decided she wanted to be involved with the local community.
“The COVID pandemic highlighted the importance of neighbourly cooperation and support, and it is particularly difficult for older people who can be isolated and limited in mobility. If I could wave a magic wand I would bottle up the lockdown spirit and spread it liberally around all Bristol neighbourhoods to encourage generations to mix, the able to help the less able and to end loneliness.”
Julian Brookes is a new Trustee with Age UK Bristol.
Ian Bickerton brings extensive experience from a senior career in local government. He worked across a number of local authorities in London, the South of England and Wales, primarily in Education and Children’s Services, as well as in Leisure and Libraries. Since retiring, Ian has been an active volunteer in Bristol, with a strong focus on support and services for older people.
Ian has worked in partnership with Age UK Bristol over many years, including during his time as Chair of Bristol Older People’s Forum. When the opportunity arose to join the Board, he felt it was a natural progression to support an organisation he holds in high regard. .
"I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as a Trustee. One of my overriding ambitions has been to support older people to be active as long as possible, particularly by being part of a friendship group and their local community. I now look forward to working with other Trustees, staff, and stakeholders to pursue these aims."
Judith Brown says she has enjoyed her time as a Trustee. Formerly a lecturer in Health and Social Care, Judith's campaigning life includes her years as Chair of Bristol Older Forum, Chair of Bristol Ageing Better and co-optee on Bristol City Council's People Committee. As a member of Bristol Women’s Voice she currently campaigns for more medical attention to women’s health.
"It seemed natural to be a Trustee for Age UK Bristol, a leader in the field and a charity that does so much for older people. I look forward to the months ahead!”
Rachel Millar has worked in television documentaries for most of her career when a series about ageing sparked her interest in supporting healthy ageing, particularly focusing on those experiencing health inequalities. She now works at a health policy institute as well as a campaign called Take Five to Age Well that aims to champion healthy ageing actions and challenge ageist attitudes. She wanted to join Age UK Bristol as a Trustee as she shares their passion in supporting older people to love later life. She is keen to support Age UK Bristol on communications and anywhere else she might be able to help! She looks forward to a future in which older adults are treated equally, are seen and valued by society and that everyone is able to enjoy their life, however they wish to spend it, for longer.
Richard Booty is a new Trustee with Age UK Bristol.
