We’re very excited to introduce the new Trustees joining Step One Charity. Today we’re sharing a bit about each of them in a “5 minutes with…” interview. Please continue reading to find out more about the people helping guide our charity and further our mission.
What sub-committee have you joined?
Finance Sub-Committee
Please tell us a bit about yourself (where you’re from, what you do, activities/hobbies etc).
I’ve lived in Devon for the past 15 years. I’m the Managing Director of a digital marketing agency and founder of a leadership consultancy, focused on sustainable growth, workplace culture transformation, and mental health advocacy. Outside work, I enjoy travelling with my family, exploring new places and meeting new people.
How did you hear about or know about Step One Charity?
I was previously a corporate partner of Step One Charity when it was known as St. Loyes Foundation and have stayed connected to its mission ever since.
What attracted you to the role of Trustee at Step One Charity?
Having long advocated for better mental health support in workplaces, and with my own lived experience of mental health challenges, I wanted to give something back. Volunteering my expertise feels like the most meaningful way to do that.
What do you like most about Step One and the work the charity does?
Step One focuses on rehabilitation — supporting people to rediscover their purpose and rebuild their lives — not just managing symptoms or creating dependency. That belief in people’s potential really resonates with me.
What would you most like to achieve in your capacity as a Trustee for Step One Charity?
I hope to bring new ideas around generating sustainable revenue streams, helping the charity to grow its impact while staying true to its values.
What do you think the future holds for Step One Charity?
I believe Step One can lead the way in reshaping how mental health support is delivered, putting rehabilitation, purpose, and inclusion at the heart of everything it does.
What do you feel are the key challenges and/or best opportunities facing the charity sector generally?
I believe that the charities who can communicate in an emotional, powerful and compelling way will be the ones who attract the funding needed to continue building on their purpose. It’s about demonstrating the real value and impact we bring to the societies we serve.
What sub-committee have you joined?
Chairing the finance committee
Please tell us a bit about yourself (where you’re from, what you do, activities/hobbies etc).
My day job is as Director of Corporate Services and Accountable Manager for Devon Air Ambulance – I’ve been working here for over ten years and have really enjoyed it. I still play football and also coach one of my son’s teams. Although I don’t compete these days I do enjoy getting out for a run most days and used to run longer distances including marathons and the occasional ultra marathon. I also enjoy going to gigs and music festivals.
How did you hear about or know about Step One Charity?
I first heard of Step One when I learnt of the opportunity to be Trustee, before I realised that Step One was formerly St Loyes who used to own the building I worked in prior to working with Devon Air Ambulance.
What attracted you to the role of Trustee at Step One Charity?
As soon as I saw and understood what the Charity did it was clear that it was making a real impact on people’s lives on a daily basis, which was something I wasted to contribute to. Working for a Charity I’m very conscious of how important volunteers are in so many ways, so knowing that I was asking people to donate their time and expertise made me want to repay that into the sector by contributing myself.
What do you like most about Step One and the work the charity does?
The direct impact which you can see it having on people. It provides a crucial service in an area where resources are so stretched nationally.
What would you most like to achieve in your capacity as a Trustee for Step One Charity?
To continue to see the Charity evolve and go from strength to strength – I believe most Trustees aim to leave the Charity in a better state than when they arrived and in such a volatile national and international environment this isn’t easy to achieve.
What do you think the future holds for Step One Charity?
The environment for charities in this sector is challenging and is likely to remain so. This means that while things won’t be straightforward and while there may be some unexpected trials I feel that we continue to refine and give clarity about our approach and way forward to make a growing impact.
What do you feel are the key challenges and/or best opportunities facing the charity sector generally?
The charity sector is in a difficult place with so many negative shocks in the last half decade since the pandemic – many charities are seeing pressure on income while costs increase and the service demand increases. This is difficult to balance but will naturally open up opportunities for the charities making the most difference. The change in government has created more positive discussions with the sector and this could provide great opportunities – charities want to make a difference in the areas which are seeing the biggest challenges, so although it doesn’t make for a comfortable environment the opportunities to make a significant impact are higher than ever.
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Isaac Mann2024-10-04 08:31:572024-10-04 08:31:57Step One is seeking new Trustees and a new Chair to shape our future!
