Our Vice Chair, Jo Millard (Splosh), talks to us about why she became a trustee for Artis and what she enjoys about being part of the board.

Can you tell us about your background and professional career?

I’ve worked in the charity and not for profit sector for almost 30 years. During that time I’ve worked with a wide range of local, regional and national organisations in all sorts of roles such as Project Manager and Consultant, Director/Chief Executive – working with the British Red Cross, Age Concern, Engineering UK, London CVS Partnership, SEARCH Education Trust and many other amazing organisations. I’ve also been lucky enough to have spent a few years working with the sector’s regulator – the Charity Commission.

What initially interested you in becoming a trustee?

Being a trustee is hugely rewarding. I love not only working in the charity sector but volunteering too. I like making a difference. I have worked with and supported many trustee boards over the years and find that volunteering as a trustee also helps me enormously in my professional life – I get to experience first-hand life as a trustee and hopefully in turn when working with boards I have a greater appreciation and perspective, ensuring that the support I give is based/tailored on practical, real experience.

Why did you choose to join Artis?

I chose to be a trustee with Artis because the aims, values and ethos of the organisation really chime with me and I get to mix together three things that I’m most passionate and enthusiastic about: the charity sector, the arts and giving young people a chance to explore and experience a world of fun and adventure through creative learning.

What do you enjoy most about being a trustee at Artis?

There’s lots! I really do enjoy working with my fellow trustees and the executive team – we are so lucky to have such a diverse and highly skilled board and management team. Artis has a very clear vision and purpose. We have recently been working on how to sharpen that even further, with our new branding and our new ambitions – so it’s been an amazing journey to be part of and a really exciting time to be involved.

What are Artis’s key strengths?

There are many to mention – but I think top of the list for me are its people. Artis has drawn together and developed an incredibly talented and creative team: operational staff, Artis specialists, mentors – all of whom are strongly committed to excellence in all they do in driving forward the organisation’s mission: to nurture creativity in every child, everywhere, and shape a thriving society.

Where would you like to see Artis in five years’ time?

In every school, available to every child.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee?

Do it! It’s a great way to volunteer.