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Trustee volunteers are crucial
The role of a trustee volunteer is vital: helping organisations make crucial decisions about what direction a company should take. Sitting on the board, trustees are some of the most important volunteers in any charity, each giving up their time to help people with learning disabilities and autism live independently.
At Zetetick (ZHC), we’re lucky enough to have some wonderful people on the board, and it’s great getting to know more about them and how they came to be a trustee. Here, we talk to Zetetick trustee Debbie Page.
Tell us about yourself outside of being a trustee
Hi, my name is Debbie. I grew up in Liverpool and I have lived in Surrey for the last 30 years. I have three cats called Cougar, Horace and Scaramouche (scary)!
I started my career as a pharmacist, working for a pharmacy chain that went from 90 to 900 pharmacies whilst I was with them for over 18 years. This is where I started my career in learning and development. I am now VP, Organisation and Talent Development for Oracle.
In my spare time I enjoy running, cycling and mountain biking and have broken a few bones as a result.
How did you find out about ZHC before becoming a trustee?
I found out about Zetetick through a friend at Women on Boards who knew I was looking for a trustee role. The values of Zetetick resonated with me personally when I read the newsletter: I loved the connection to the teams and people involved with Zetetick.
What is it about ZHC that made you want to be a trustee?
There are two things that stand out. Firstly the importance of having a home and somewhere to feel safe. Secondly the connection to every individual and what is important to each person.
What do you bring to the role of trustee?
Along with my healthcare and technology experience, I bring my experience of developing people, building teams and engagement within organisations.
What are the important issues around the support and care of marginalised individuals and housing?
Safe and secure quality homes with support as needed around them.
What does the future holds for ZHC?
The charity is continuing to grow and go from strength to strength. It has a strong leadership team who continue to work incredibly hard to ensure quality homes for all its residents. And I look forward to working with all of them.
Tell us an unusual fact about yourself
Seven years ago I signed up to work alongside 300 volunteers for a charity called Mellon Educate, to help build a school in a week in a township in South Africa. This year will be my sixth year taking part. It is very hard work and also one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done.
Favourite tea and biscuit combo?
I wish! I was diagnosed as coeliac last year so now I dream of digestives and a cup of tea.
Volunteer with us
We offer volunteer opportunities for you to build your skillset, portfolio or to simply work on something you’re passionate about.
Get in touch with [email protected] and we’ll take things from there!