Children of Watamu is supported by a committed team of volunteer trustees based in the UK and UAE who provide governance, guidance and oversight to help ensure the charity continues to operate responsibly and sustainably. Papa Dave serves as the Chair of Trustees.
Our trustees bring a wide range of professional experience, with backgrounds including education, business, health and social care, community development, youth work and IT. This diverse mix of skills helps strengthen the charity’s strategic direction and governance.
While trustee meetings are normally held online, it is always particularly valuable when trustees are able to spend time in Kenya and see the charity’s work first-hand.
Most trustees visit throughout the year, and on this occasion the stars aligned when two of our trustees, Dawn Heather and Lewis Hall, were both in Kenya at the same time. Attending local home leadership meetings, led by Aunty Rose, provide an opportunity to better understand the work taking place on the ground while supporting the charity’s governance and compliance responsibilities.
During their visit they carried out a number of tasks, including reviews of key documentation and records, supporting the preparation of materials for the Charity Commission reporting process, and reviewing the charity’s Gift Aid procedures to ensure processes remain accurate and compliant. Alongside this work, they also enjoyed spending time with the children.
Spending time in country helps trustees gain a deeper understanding of the organisation and strengthens the support and guidance they provide to the charity. It was therefore especially lovely that there was some cross over between the two visits.
We are extremely grateful to our trustees who generously give their time and expertise to support the Children of Watamu family.
