A Trustee’s Words Of wisdom
Volunteering has numerous benefits not only for the communities its supports, but for the individuals who participate. As such, Discovery has interviewed Mr Phil Brophy, a member of the chair of trustees for six years, to understand his role and experience in more depth.
What is the board of trustees?
According to Mr Brophy, the role contains a mixture of both students and non-students whose primary responsibility is to ensure appropriate governance of the charity.
Meetings are held to adhere to regulations with Mr Brophy’s role containing a leadership element to ensure all aims are met. Furthermore, non-student trustees can complete a term consisting of 3 years in which Mr Brophy has completed two terms.
What are your favourite highlights?
“The 50th Anniversary celebrations…in my first year as chair of the board of trustees” Mr Brophy exclaims explaining that discovery is one of the longest running student volunteering charities in the UK.
Activities held at the event included abseiling, fundraising activities, and a black-tie dinner as well as volunteering alumni gatherings.
What have you enjoyed best about being a Trustee?
Mr Brophy cites seeing growth in “confidence and knowledge, and understanding of the role of the trustee and the organisation” amongst student trustees as a fulfilling aspect of his position.
Mr Brophy further explains that “…the role as a non-student trustee is to support the student trustees” and as such is great for gaining valuable skills such as organizational skills and the development of leadership qualities.
What changes have there been since your time at discovery?
During Mr Brophy’s time at Discovery, the charity expanded to Bay campus in 2015 making it more accessible for Swansea University students across both campuses.
Furthermore, flexibility and creativity has flourished amongst volunteers and team members as an outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic with new ideas and ways to provide valuable services to the community generated in the face of hardships making it a “a rewarding thing to work through seeing everybody adapt”.
What impact has being a Trustee had on you?
Contributing to the community in a positive manner has caused Mr Brophy to “reflect” on what he thinks is important and “to try out something new”. Although currently standing down as a trustee, his time here has ignited an interest in continuing to pursue other trustee and volunteering roles and opportunities.
What message would you give Swansea university staff about getting involved and supporting Discovery?
“Do it” Mr Brophy encourages “it’s a really great opportunity to make a difference, to work with students in a way that will be different from your day job”.
As for students themselves Mr Brophy says volunteering with Discovery allows you “to work with other students…in a really safe and welcoming environment” with both staff and students becoming “part of a family”.
What are your wishes for Discovery in the future?
In conjunction with his earlier admiration of the charities’ longevity, Phil hopes for discovery to continue running “for another 50 years at least” and to “come back for the 100th anniversary” he jokes.
A relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions is another key desire for the future, which will enable Discovery to arrange non-socially distanced activities and fuel an inclusive environment.
Sophia Thomas
Media and Communications BA