This Trustees Week we talk to one of our new trustees, Dennis Pillay

“Of course it is very easy to look at a trustee role as purely a giving exercise but I am getting more back than I am giving. I am seeing instant benefits to those that need help by the decisions we make, and I get to learn and experience a different sector to my current profession.”

— Dennis Pillay

Dennis Pillay joined our Board of Trustees earlier this year. We asked Dennis about his motivation to volunteer as a trustee.

Dennis visiting GASP - one of the projects we fund through our Community Grants programme.

Q. What first made you consider volunteering as a Trustee?

Well, there were a few reasons. Firstly, I was leading philanthropic efforts for my department at a bank in the City but I wanted to do more than contribute to initiatives to help raise funds. I like the idea of being a trustee for a charity where I can see the benefits of helping people that might not be as fortunate as others. Secondly, I wanted to do something different from the day-to-day life of working in the City. Thirdly, I consider myself to be a lucky individual who has been given great opportunities and I wanted to help others and give them the chance to thrive.

Why Walton Charity?

I had a few opportunities to join Boards of charities in East London as part of an initiative run by the company I work for but I didn’t feel connected to those organisations, they are great charities but I wanted to feel invested in a charity where I had an association and that’s where Walton Charity came into the picture. A local charity that aligns with my beliefs was the ultimate fit for me and I am grateful to be given the opportunity to be a trustee of the charity and lend my expertise to the organisation and the Board.

Can you describe your role as a trustee?

I would describe my role in the following three broad points:

• Governance – Ensuring we are heading in the right direction to achieve our objectives.

• Decision-making – Utilising my experience, skills, and knowledge to help the Board and sub-committees to make decisions.

• Strategy – Helping formulate a path to get to our long-term goals.

Are there any organisations benefitting from Walton Charity funding that have left a lasting impression on you?

As you would expect, all the organisations that we give funds to are great charities that align with our values and objectives, both in the short term and long term. I have a particular passion for and interest in vocational studies and helping children that may be struggling through the standard education system. GASP is a wonderful organisation that helps in this specific area and I was really impressed with what I saw when I visited them early this year.

What would you say to others who might be considering becoming a trustee?

Of course, it is very easy to look at a trustee role as purely a giving exercise but for me, it’s been the opposite. Yes I volunteer my time to the charity, yes I lend my experience and expertise but in reality, I am getting more back than I am giving. I am seeing instant benefits to those that need help by the decisions we make, and I get to learn and experience a different sector to my current profession. I work with a diverse set of trustees and I have met wonderful people who work for the charity, there really isn’t any reason to hesitate, I would encourage anyone thinking about becoming a trustee to go for it!