Two of YMCA Burton’s long-standing Trustees will be stepping down from their roles this month after over twenty years of voluntary contribution between them.

John Deeley, a Solicitor, has been on the board at YMCA since 2014 and Mike Costelloe, a Business Analysis Team Manager for Rolls Royce since 2011.

John said: “Back in 2014 I was asked if I would be interested in being on the board of trustees for YMCA and utilise my skills as a lawyer. I accepted and since then, learned a lot about the way the Charity works and the active role it has in the town of Burton-on-Trent. It has been extremely worthwhile and satisfying to be able to put something back into society and help those who are not as fortunate as ourselves.”

Mike Costelloe said: “Homelessness is something that’s been on my heart for a long time and helping people by being one of the trustees of the Burton YMCA has been a fantastic experience.  I’ve met a wide variety of wonderful people along the way – other trustees, staff, residents and service users – and made some friends too.  The role has taught me about how governance works in the charity sector and how it’s possible to make a difference through simply understanding, questioning and challenging situations and people.  In 2016 I became treasurer on a “temporary” basis and have been rewarded through the additional responsibility and influence that comes with that role.  Being a trustee has provided many unique opportunities which range from helping to change the financial direction of the organisation to jumping out of a plane as part of a fundraising event.  I feel that the time has come to step down and hand over to the existing and new trustees, and this will give me time and energy to pursue other interests.  My advice for anyone who might be considering becoming a trustee is that the cause of the charity should be on your heart, and that being a trustee gives an opportunity to ensure that the charity is heading in the right direction and is making the most of its resources to best achieve its aims.  Thank you to everyone at the Burton YMCA for allowing and helping me to make a positive contribution.”

Paul Laffey, CEO of YMCA Burton said: “Our Volunteer Trustees hold a great deal of responsibility. They report to regulatory bodies and ensure we deliver on our Vision, Mission and Values. They also ensure the Charity is run in accordance with our governing documents. We are so grateful for all of their time, skills and expertise.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee for us, please do drop us an email to discuss this further. In the meantime, on behalf of our president, Ben Robinson, our chair of Trustees, Dr Charles, Pidsley, all of our trustees, staff and volunteers I would like to say a huge thank you to John and Mike and wish them all the best for the future and thank them for everything they have done for us.”

Charity trustees are the body of people who have ultimate responsibility for a charity. It is their responsibility to manage, govern and control the charity and to make decisions about the charity’s policies, objectives and strategies.

If you are interested in volunteering opportunities on the board of trustees in the areas of fundraising and marketing, housing, HR, finance, business or legal for YMCA Burton, please send an email to: office@burtonymca.org

Photo attached:  Mike Costelloe and John Deeley

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