Trustee training with a difference

1. What makes the training you deliver for Thera Trust directors different from other client training?

The training aims to engage everyone regardless of their previous legal knowledge, education or learning style. For example, we try to capture a complex group structure in a picture.

The difference starts with the planning which is done in conjunction with the client. Our aim is to reflect the culture and uniqueness of Thera Trust and its legal structure. Thera has a group of companies headed up by Thera Trust as its charitable parent company and the majority of its subsidiaries are non-charitable companies limited by guarantee.

The structure and growth of the Thera Group means that they have a number of directors joining the board regularly and they ensure all those directors have the same foundation from which to work which encompasses Thera’s culture, passion and legal structure.

2. What are the benefits of the training being delivered by a specialist lawyer?

The training is bespoke because it is delivered by us as the client’s lawyers and we understand both their legal structure and their culture as we work with them on a daily basis. Thera is all about empowering people with learning disabilities and supporting them to lead fulfilled lives. It enables them to work on the Boards of the Thera Group companies as both executive and non-executive directors and to be company members. This legal structure is created and driven by the purposes of Thera and is pretty unique, which is really exciting for me as their lawyer!

The training is also my opportunity to explain the law behind the legal structure and how the structure helps to fulfil Thera Trust’s charitable purposes.

The training is delivered as a residential course and this is a great way for all the Board members to get to know each other. Eating together and socialising is an important part of the experience.

3. Why do you think it is important to include Thera’s service users as directors?

Because they are the experts in the area in which Thera works – who better to influence and mould how you deliver services? It also means that they really are at the heart of the process. Decisions are not made about them but with them and informed by them.

4. Why is it good to include a variety of people on the Boards?

A variety of people brings a variety of perspectives and skills which is part of ensuring that the charitable objects of Thera Trust can be met most effectively.

5.  I have attended a trustee training session you delivered here at Anthony Collins’ offices and you obviously really get a buzz from training and have a talent for it. What do you especially enjoy about delivering training?

It is a real pleasure to work alongside clients who are passionate about what they do in the charities they work in. It is a privilege to explore together legal matters that can impact on what they do on a daily basis. I love making what might initially look like complex legal matters simple and practical.

6. What do you think are the key attributes of a good trainer?

1. Know the purpose of the session – where you are starting from and your goal for the group.

2. Keep the session varied and interactive with relevant practical case studies.

3. No death by powerpoint!

Contact Edwina Turner

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