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Trustees’ Week 2024: Suzanne O'Brien, Chair
06 November 2024
In honour of Trustees’ Week, we’re delighted to interview Suzanne O’Brien, Chair of The Fifth Trust. Suzanne’s wealth of experience spans over 30 years in business, primarily in financial services, and she brings her expertise as a qualified accountant, tax consultant, and non-executive director to our board. Her background in leadership and social justice has proven invaluable to The Fifth Trust.
What inspired you to become a Trustee for The Fifth Trust, and how has your professional background influenced your approach?
The people at The Fifth Trust inspired me to become a Trustee. I visited the Elham Valley Vineyard and felt a real connection to the students I met. I was also really impressed with the people on-site and how they interacted with students in a way that was open, respectful and professional.
What sealed it was when I was interviewed for the role of Chairperson; one of the panel became emotional when explaining how important it is for families/carers to know that their loved ones are welcomed, safe and respected at the Trust. It really impacted me and I remember thinking “I can help you – I can make us stronger”. To do that, I lean on my professional skills (accounting, tax, project management) to ensure we have a solid financial footing and that we make sound business decisions. My executive and non-executive experience as a leader supports effective team-building where we never lose focus on our students and their wellbeing.
Can you describe a challenge the board has faced and how you navigated through it?
Shortly after I joined the board, Covid happened and we went into lockdown. There was huge uncertainty, so much so, that at one point I was trying to work out just how long before we would have to close down. Thankfully, with that, as with other challenges, we have worked together as a team to achieve the best possible outcome for our students and staff.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join a board of Trustees for the first time?
Be really clear about how much time you can give to the board and the organisation that you wish to join. Our Trustees are volunteers, so we are mindful of their generosity in giving freely of their time and their expertise. As Chair I ensure we are as efficient as possible, making the most of this great gift so that every Trustee is clear about their roles and responsibilities.
What are your aspirations for the future of The Fifth Trust, and how do you see Trustees contributing to this vision?
We have many constraints and uncertainties concerning our land and buildings, and funding is usually precarious. All our Trustees contribute in navigating a way through these issues to support the Trust. We want to secure the future of The Fifth Trust so we can continue to deliver a consistently excellent experience for our students. Ultimately, we want everyone with a learning disability to have access to life-enhancing opportunities that are tailored to each individual.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I love hearing fresh ideas and am always open to offers of support. If anyone wants to get in touch, please email me at [email protected]
We’re also on the lookout for new Trustees, particularly people with lived experience of learning disabilities or a background in law. If you’re interested, please reach out to our CEO, Nikki Marley, at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your leadership and dedication to our mission.
