Joining the Board of Abbeyfield Belfast in late January 2025 has provided the most rewarding opportunity to contribute to my local community alongside my role with McLaughlin & Harvey.
Having entered the accountancy profession in practice, which included not-for-profit audits, followed by several years working within the sector, I have long been inspired by organisations that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the dedication, resilience and commitment required to support communities and create lasting impact. This was one of the reasons I was keen to take on a trustee role and use my professional skills in a way that contributes beyond my day-to-day career.
For over 65 years, Abbeyfield Belfast has been supporting older people to live independently while remaining part of a caring and connected community. At the heart of the organisation is a simple but powerful principle: making time for older people.
Abbeyfield Belfast believes that later life should be lived with choice, dignity and purpose. Its aim is not simply to provide accommodation, but to create environments where people feel valued, supported and connected. Many older people fear loneliness and isolation more than ageing itself, and Abbeyfield’s work focuses on helping people maintain their independence while enjoying companionship, friendship and a genuine sense of belonging.
What truly defines Abbeyfield is not the buildings themselves, but the community that exists within them. People are known as individuals, encouraged to pursue their interests and supported to continue living life on their own terms.
The ethos of Abbeyfield Belfast and seeing the positive difference it makes to residents and their families were key factors in my decision to become a Trustee and Treasurer.
Chartered Accountants can bring a particularly valuable perspective to not-for-profit boards. Financial oversight is an important part of the role, but the contribution extends far beyond reviewing accounts and monitoring budgets.
Our training encourages us to question assumptions, understand risk, evaluate evidence and consider the long-term implications of decisions. We are accustomed to balancing competing priorities, challenging constructively and maintaining a focus on sustainability. These skills are highly relevant in the charity sector, where organisations must manage limited resources responsibly while remaining focused on delivering their mission.
Good financial governance is not simply about balancing the books. It is about ensuring organisations remain strong enough to fulfil their purpose, respond to changing needs and invest in future opportunities. In a charity such as Abbeyfield Belfast, sound financial stewardship helps create environments where older people can thrive.
As Treasurer, I have been able to contribute across financial governance, budgeting, risk management and strategic planning. At the same time, trusteeship has broadened my understanding of leadership and provided valuable exposure to areas beyond my professional specialism.
Like many professionals’ considering trusteeship, I initially had concerns about balancing the responsibilities of a board role with a full-time career and family life. These concerns were quickly alleviated through the organisation’s induction process and by meeting staff and fellow Board members whose commitment to the charity’s purpose was immediately evident.
What has impressed me most is the collaborative culture that exists between the Board and Senior Leadership Team. A diverse range of skills, experiences and perspectives helps ensure decisions are robust, balanced and focused on achieving the best outcomes for residents.
The role has been both professionally and personally enriching. One of the most rewarding aspects of trusteeship has been seeing firsthand how good governance helps organisations deliver meaningful outcomes. There is a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that the skills developed throughout your career can be used to strengthen organisations that make a tangible difference in their communities.
For Chartered Accountants considering a trustee role, I would strongly encourage you to explore the opportunities available. Not-for-profit organisations need people who can bring financial expertise, commercial awareness, strategic thinking and sound judgement. Equally, trusteeship offers valuable opportunities for personal development, leadership experience and networking.
It is a commitment, but one that can sit comfortably alongside a busy professional career and deliver significant rewards. There is immense satisfaction in knowing that your professional skills are helping strengthen organisations that improve lives and build stronger communities.