Trustee Week 2023 – An Insight Into Our Trustees – Jan Sanders
In the spirit of Trustee Week, HMT trustee, Jan Sanders provides an example of how a legal background and a passion for healthcare can merge into a rewarding journey of trusteeship.
Jan delves into the motivations, experiences, and invaluable insights she’s gained during her time as an HMT trustee.
What motivated you to become a trustee at HMT?
“When I retired from work as a partner in a busy city law firm, I didn’t want to stop using my brain, and I had a strong desire to contribute to the community. My involvement as a Magistrate and a trustee of another charity had already given me a taste of the profound impact one can have. With my background in law, I was on the lookout for a charity that could benefit from my skills. The Healthcare Management Trust presented an ideal opportunity, given my prior experience in healthcare and a personal connection to the challenges of care homes and dementia. Both my mother and sister had early-onset dementia, so I felt a strong personal connection to this cause.”
What aspect of HMT’s work do you most value and respect?
“The organisation’s commitment to providing excellence in service is truly remarkable. They go above and beyond to generate resources and expertise that are channelled into innovative solutions for individuals whose care needs might not be at the forefront of everyone’s priorities. This aspirational goal of improving the lives of those who often go unnoticed is something I deeply admire.”
What have you personally learned during your time as a trustee for HMT?
“Serving as a trustee has been an eye-opening experience. It has shown me that one can make a substantial contribution to an organisation and truly feel like an integral part of the team. By leveraging analytical and other skills and dedicating time to support those who manage day-to-day operations, I’ve learned that we can collectively achieve so much more than we can as individuals.”
Why do you think others should consider becoming trustees of charities?
“Being a trustee offers a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise and make a meaningful impact. Every successful board benefits from a diverse range of perspectives and skills, whether it’s in accountancy, law, charitable fundraising, sector-specific knowledge, or simply having the time to give. You can be part of a team without a full-time commitment, and there’s an organisation out there that you’re bound to feel passionately about. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make a difference and be a part of something bigger than themselves.”