Third Age Trustee for Scotland
Trustee for Scotland
I thought I would introduce myself as your new Trustee for Scotland. I am a committee member of Glasgow West End u3a and also a member of Bearsden and Milngavie u3a. Until I became Trustee for Scotland I was also Vice Chair on the u3a in Scotland Committee. You may have a vague idea of my role and position as Trustee but it has taken me a wee while to sort out the relationship between the Trust and individual u3as .
My first year as Trustee for Scotland has flown past.The u3a Trust is the umbrella organisation for the u3a.Its purpose is to guide, give advice, support u3as in every way possible eg risk assessment, insurance, legal matters, finance etc. Beacon the administrative data system used by GWEu3a comes from the Trust using volunteers as does the site builder website.
The Trust has 23 full time equivalent staff members based in London.
Important start up grants as well as grants for certain activities are produced by the Trust.
As you are aware the u3a has been in existence for 40 plus years and as society changes the movement changes too, certainly in proposed governance. A Pilot Council has been operating in conjunction with the Board in order to see how that works. More information to follow.
Enough of the theory.
What do I do ?
I sit on the Board which meets 4 times a year in London.There are also a number of online Zoom meetings throughout the year dealing with finance etc. I work closely with u3as Scotland which is the Scottish network for u3as. We have been involved in supporting the start up of Glasgow Southside, organising meetings with Treasurers and hopefully Chairs. Banchory u3a and Isle of Bute u3awere in their infancy when I took over and a number of supportive phone calls and a visit were in order. Scotland is a very big place!
There are 54 u3as in Scotland from Shetland to the Borders. One of my personal aims is to contact all 54 u3as and organise for a chat and to put local groups together in informal groups. So far I am more than half way there.This has been very rewarding to me.I am struck by how lively u3as are in Scotland as well as how different. Chairs/committee members often email me to ask for advice, to clarify points etc. My hope is that a supportive group of Networks will be soon be in place.
Of course I have visited a number face to face eg Edinburgh, Lanark, Banchory, Kinross, Glasgow area to name but a few.
I had a great chat with the committee of Callender u3a. Geographically it includes many local villages which enhances the activities.
What are the issues with u3as in Scotland?
Committee volunteers.
Group leaders
Do we become a Charity?
Do we use Beacon?
Making the u3a movement known in Scotland. u3a is UKs best kept secret. How do we make it known? A radio campaign has been suggested.I (along with others in the Trust)are investigating that possibility. Advertising in retirement courses is a possibility too.
What has given me the most satisfaction this year as Trustee?
Seeing Glasgow Southside u3a up and running and thriving, visiting Banchory and chatting to happy u3a members.
Supporting the concerned.
Meeting u3a members who really enjoy being part of the movement.
Bringing some issues to the attention of the Trust and enabling change to take place.
Having fun at u3a events.
What next?
Continue to ensure I meet as many representatives from u3as as possible
Be part of starting some more u3as where appropriate.
Be part of the advertising campaign.
Hopefully that gives you a flavour of my Trustee role.
It is about people, listening, communicating, informing where appropriate.
Please use link in right hand panel for details of my regular Meet the Trustee meetings
Liz Ervine