Governing a national infrastructure network that is Clinks, supporting a diverse voluntary sector across England and Wales, is no small task. Our work spans different regions, communities and areas of criminal justice, and the challenges facing our members are rarely straightforward.  Diversity of thought is one of our greatest strengths. It helps us see things differently, test our assumptions and keep us grounded in the realities of the communities Clinks exists to serve.

These different perspectives matter because they reflect what Clinks stands for. We believe in the voluntary sector and in people's capacity for change. We believe in listening to people closest to the issues, following the evidence and being prepared to challenge inequality in all its forms. As trustees, bringing these values into the boardroom means being curious, open to challenge and willing to look at issues from different perspectives. It also means ensuring that the voices and experiences of our members and the people and communities they support remain front and centre.

This has been particularly important over the past year as Clinks navigated a period of change. I’m proud of the way our Board has come together to provide support, stability and thoughtful challenge. Over recent months, trustees have supported recruitment, represented Clinks at regional events, contributed their expertise through our subcommittees and made important connections across the sector. They’ve also been there to celebrate our team’s achievements, including attending the Third Sector Awards 2026 to support Joni Emery, our excellent Director of Business Operations as winner of the Rising Star Award.

I’m grateful for the time, professional and lived expertise that our trustees collectively bring to Clinks: not only to the boardroom but the many hours in between. From our longer-standing trustees, who bring invaluable institutional memory and continuity, to our newer trustees, who bring fresh perspectives and constructive challenge, we benefit from a wealth of experience across finance, safeguarding, commercial expertise, law, the Arts, victim support and, importantly, the perspectives of our members and the voluntary sector.

Our trustees have also been busy looking ahead, from our recent Trustee Strategy Refresh Away day to ongoing discussions about Clinks’ future direction and how we continue to strengthen our support for the voluntary criminal justice sector.

And if you'd be interested in exploring opportunities to contribute to Clinks in the future, please do get in touch.