Celebrating our community’s trustees:

Trustees’ Week

4th- 8th November is Trustees’ Week, offering us an opportunity to spotlight the amazing work of the trustees who help guide our organisations, and thank them for their contributions.

This page includes testimonies from trustees of our member organisations, as well as testimonies from our members to their trustees. You can also find out more about JVN’s trustee placement opportunities and the JLC’s leadership development opportunities for trustees.

‘I am proud to be a Trustee’ - hear from Trustees

Amy Wagner - Trustee of Maccabi GB

I decided to become a Trustee as I wanted to find a way to give back to the community whilst developing and widening my professional skills. I wanted to contribute to a charity, whose values and mission are in line with my passion of using sport to educate and break down barriers and encourage people to connect with their Jewish identities.

Being a Trustee enables me to use the experience that I have gained in my professional career to ensure that a charity I care about has everything it needs to deliver its strategic mission and its aims within the community.

It is a privilege to have been asked to be a Trustee of Maccabi GB. Maccabi has created a brilliant, widespread community and I am lucky to be learning from and working alongside their incredible professional team and Board of Trustees.

Find out more about our member:


Sue Nyman - Trustee of PaJeS, LSJS, and Council for Christians and Jews

I originally wanted to be a school governor to use my financial skills as I am a Chartered Accountant in practice. I work full time and wanted to use my skills to give back to the community.

After a short period as governor at King Solomon High I joined the team establishing Yavneh College becoming a trustee, then Chair of Governors, for 11 years. For much of that time I was also chair of finance. More recently I was asked to join other boards as trustee, again to use my finance and also my governance skills.

Find out more about our member:


Simon Johnson - Chair of Camp Simcha

The ability to make a tangible difference to the lives of families whose children are facing serious illness is what I am most proud of as a trustee for Camp Simcha.

Seeing people recognise and support the vital work that we do is so pleasing. It gives a huge sense of worth and wellbeing to know that your hard work is able to make a difference and is appreciated. It is genuinely able to give me variety in my work life and allows me to help people at their wits end on how to cope with what life has thrown at them.

Find out more about our member:


Carolyn Balcombe - Trustee of Nightingale Hammerson

I have been involved with Nightingale Hammerson for many years so becoming a Trustee seemed a natural progression. It is an absolute privilege to use a lifetime of commercial experience to inform my role as a Trustee, doing my utmost to ensure our elderly residents live their best lives.

Find out more about our member:


Eliot Moss - Trustee of World Jewish Relief

I have always wanted to give back to my own community in a tangible and hopefully valuable way. Being a trustee of World Jewish Relief has enabled me to do that. My values align with those of the organisation particularly working with the wider world beyond the Jewish community. Working with international communities is incredibly fulfilling. Our own community has so much it can bring and I am proud to play my small part in making that happen!

Find out more about our member:


Rachel Ingram - Trustee of World Jewish Relief

There are so many expected - and unexpected - benefits to becoming a Trustee.

I'd known WJR and their CEO, Paul Anticoni for a few years before being invited to join as a co-opted member of their Nominations Committee. I already knew it was a fantastic organisation with an important mission. As a Board-focused head-hunter and coach, I can bring a perspective on hiring for the team and board and wanted to understand what it was like to sit on the other side of the table as a Trustee.

It's been an eye-opening and important professional learning curve for me. Over the last four years I've learned a huge amount from the executive team and board colleagues. World Jewish Relief moves at pace as an organisation, responding quickly to emergencies and crises including Covid, the war in Ukraine, their critical work with refugees in the UK alongside more recent events in Israel and Gaza. I've been blown away by the team's ability to rise to events, scaling and adapting fast.

As a board we've met more frequently during these crises, held animated discussions and helped shape the organisation's plans and strategy. It's taught me so much around board and team dynamics, fundraising and getting things done differently.

Countless studies show we learn best by direct engagement, I see time and time again the benefits of being a trustee for any executive: it will broaden your perspective beyond your day-to -day role; you will be challenged; you'll need to learn to challenge constructively and you'll gain new skills and develop faster with a more strategic take on another organisation... and with a bit of luck you'll also have fun with great people, while using your time and skills in a worthwhile way.

Find out more about our member:


Elliot Conway - Trustee of LSJS

I feel a deep sense of pride in seeing LSJS, with its rich history dating back to 1855, continuously evolve to meet the needs of our community in meaningful ways. As trustees, we’re tasked with honouring this legacy while thoughtfully supporting new initiatives that make Jewish education even more accessible and relevant. It’s rewarding to be part of something that not only sustains such a longstanding tradition but also opens doors for future generations to engage with their heritage in fresh, inspiring ways. This is only possible thanks to the extremely talented professional team who do all the real work, bringing these initiatives to life with dedication and expertise.

Find out more about our member:

  • Charity trustees bring diverse perspectives, approaches, and experiences to the board. Some offer unwavering loyalty that borders on blind faith, while others are relentlessly critical, obstructive, and negative. Neither extreme is helpful; blind loyalty can lead to reckless decisions, while constant negativity breeds anxiety and stifles progress.

    So, what qualities define the most effective trustees—those who truly drive success for the charities they serve?

    Through my experience as both an investor and a trustee, I’ve observed how the best trustees mirror traits found in successful investors and board members in the corporate world. I've identified a spectrum of trustee types, from those who unintentionally hinder progress to those who actively foster positive change. Here are eight types of trustees, organised along this spectrum.

    The Outer Four

    The outer four types are trustees to avoid. They fall into two groups: those who believe the team can do no wrong, and those who believe they can do no right.

    1. The Chum: Loyal and supportive but lacking critical perspective. Chums often dilute meaningful discussions, bringing little strategic value to the board.

    2. The Cheerleader: Enthusiastic and positive, yet prone to ignoring problems. Cheerleaders seldom push for improvement, allowing issues to go unaddressed.

    3. The Contrarian: Quick to argue and disrupt, often for the sake of it. Contrarians bring negativity without offering constructive input, hindering board effectiveness.

    4. The Cynic: A step beyond the Contrarian, the Cynic questions motives and spreads distrust. Their persistent scepticism creates a hostile boardroom atmosphere.

    The Inner Four: Traits of the Ideal Trustee

    In the centre of this spectrum lie the four traits that define the most valuable trustees. These qualities, ideally found within a single individual, balance constructive support with accountability, fostering a productive board culture.

    1. The Confidant: A trusted advisor who listens thoughtfully, offering strategic guidance and a safe space for discussing challenges.

    2. The Counsellor: With a wealth of experience, the Counsellor provides insights on long-term vision and the tactical steps needed to achieve it, grounding the board’s strategy in practical wisdom.

    3. The Coach: Believing in the team’s potential, the Coach fosters growth by setting clear goals, holding the team accountable, and celebrating milestones along the way.

    4. The Challenger: Unafraid to ask tough questions, the Challenger refines the charity’s strategy by scrutinising assumptions and encouraging thorough planning, helping avoid costly missteps.

    The Ideal Trustee: A Synergy of the Inner Four

    In an ideal world, these four qualities blend within each trustee, creating a balanced and supportive presence. Such trustees build trust, encourage open communication, and provide strategic guidance that aligns with the charity’s mission. With a commitment to the cause, they challenge, support, and celebrate the team’s successes—ensuring that the charity stays on course and moves toward its goals with purpose and resilience.

    Elliot Conway is co-founder and Managing Partner of Alderway Capital and is a Trustee of LSJS and the Tel Aviv University Trust


Ian Aarons - Trustee of Maccabi GB

Trustees are involved in exciting projects within organisations that can create lasting legacies. Ian says: "I am most proud of the fact that I project managed the conversion of the old Kenton Youth club into the new Maccabi GB head office. In addition to this, my wife and I are Heads of delegation for Maccabi GB at the JCC Maccabi games in America since 2016."

Find out more about our member:


Jonathan Prevezer - Trustee of Maccabi GB

I am recently retired and spent over 40 years in the accountancy profession. During that time I acted for quite a few varied, not-for-profit organisations. I learnt over the years how much trustees were able to achieve by the giving of their time, without need for any financial reward. I felt that when I had more time I would like to be involved and in fact I became a Trustee, and then Chair, of a charity that gave help and assistance to children and young adults with mental health issues. It was so rewarding to be involved and although I was not professionally trained into helping the children directly, I was able to use my knowledge and experience in raising monies to help restore a derelict building that has now become their working area.

I stepped down as Chair of that organisation a few years ago and I am now Chair of Maccabi GB which is totally different to my previous charity but the work we do is just as invaluable.

I would, without hesitation, recommend being a trustee for the help one can give to people less fortunate than ourselves, to give a little back of what we have learned in life and to personally get a reward that means so much more than a lot of the material things in life.

Find out more about our member:


Eli Gaventa - Trustee of JVN

“I became a trustee because I’ve always believed in the power of service and giving back…”

Click the video to hear directly from Eli

Max Sobell - Trustee of JVN

“I wanted to give back to the community and help where I could…”

Click the video to hear directly from Max

Karen Cooper - Trustee of JVN

“It’s really great to be part of a team that’s helping a charity grow…”

Click the video to hear directly from Karen

Suzi Woolfson - Trustee of JLC

“For me it’s about giving back and helping the community…”

Click the video to hear directly from Suzi

Testimony to our Trustees

Claudia Mendoza - CEO of the JLC

Dear Trustees of the Jewish Leadership Council,

This week is an opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication to this organisation. You turn up, you participate, and you guide, not just for our regular meetings but day in and day out. I am grateful for the trust you put in me to lead the team and know that you are always there to trouble shoot. You take this all on in addition to your day jobs and other charity work that you do, and for that I am incredibly grateful. I know that you share my ambitions for the JLC and understand how vital we are to the health of the Jewish charitable sector. Your commitment means we can continue to achieve incredible things.

Thank you!

Testimonies from our Members to their Trustees’

Daniel Gillis - CEO of Camp Simcha

On behalf of the staff and families at Camp Simcha, I want to express my deepest appreciation to our trustees for your unwavering dedication and tireless work. Your commitment to our mission has a profound impact on the lives of countless children and families who need it most. Through your guidance and support, we’ve been able to bring hope, strength, and joy to families facing unimaginable challenges. Thank you for being the backbone of our organisation and for your continued leadership as we work together to make a real difference for families with seriously ill children.

Find out more about our member:


Paul Anticoni - CEO of World Jewish Relief

Dear Trustees of World Jewish Relief,

None of you sit around our Trustee table looking for thanks and praise. Yet you give so much of your time, energy, commitment, passion, thinking and advice and ask for nothing in return. So this Trustee week is a wonderful opportunity for me and my team to say a big ‘Thank You’ for all you do and give to us. Your guidance, support, encouragement and advice is welcomed, sensible and helpful. Even your reminders, prompts and disagreements are helpful, constructive and done in the spirit with which this amazing organisation thrives. Each of you should be proud of the amazing contribution you make to assist this incredible charity to change and save lives. Thank you from all the Team!

Find out more about our member:


Joanne Greenaway - CEO of LSJS

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for you do for LSJS. Each one of you joined the board as you share our passion and commitment to the vital role Jewish education plays to ensure Jewish continuity. Your support to our mission, and the unique skills and expertise that you offer to help us deliver this, are incredibly appreciated. All of us at LSJS are very grateful for your time, support and input which is ensuring we can continue to provide our high quality programmes. Thank you very much for being on the LSJS board!

Find out more about our member:


Ashley Lerner - CEO of Maccabi GB

During Trustees' Week, I want to thank our Board of Trustees for their incredible dedication to Maccabi GB over the past year. Your time and effort are invaluable, and as CEO, I am deeply grateful. A highlight of the year was the European Maccabi Youth Games, where the Trustees led by example, supporting the team to deliver an unforgettable event. Your commitment has made a lasting impact, and I sincerely appreciate everything you've done and will continue to do in the future. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Find out more about our member:


Stuart Diamond - CEO of Mitzvah Day

Dear Trustees,

As we reflect on the past year, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our organisation. Your guidance, wisdom, and support have been instrumental in our continued success.

Together, we have strengthened our community through our shared efforts on Mitzvah Day. Your dedication to our mission has helped us achieve significant milestones and make a positive impact. Your thoughtful insights and strategic thinking have been invaluable in shaping our direction and ensuring our financial stability.

I am truly grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come, building upon the strong foundation we have established.

Thank you again for everything you do.

Find out more about our member:


Jenny Pattinson - CEO of Nightingale Hammerson

On behalf of everyone at Nightingale Hammerson, I would like to thank all our hardworking and dedicated Trustees for their heartfelt commitment to our charity.

Our Trustees work tirelessly and endlessly to ensure our Residents live their best life possible in our two homes, Nightingale House and Hammerson House, Wohl campus.

In the words of our clinical psychologist Dr Ally Tomlins, “Ageing is a privilege,” and our Trustees devote many hours to making sure our Residents are safe, happy, cared for and entertained.

During Trustees Week, I thank every single Trustee from the bottom of my heart.

Find out more about our member:

Want to become a Trustee or looking to upskill?

  • The JLC is proud to host several development opportunities for those that currently hold lay leadership roles in the community, but also for the many others that are currently looking for the perfect role that suits their needs and skill set.

    2024 saw us host five training sessions, in partnership with JVN, specifically for trustee’s. We held our online Trustee Development Programme and our two in-person Trustee Conferences which reached over 125 participants. These opportunities not only provided learning opportunities but also gave participants the opportunity to network and support one another. We are now in the process of reviewing our offering for 2025 and would welcome input from current trustees as to what you would like to see.

    Looking forward, we continue to work on our Leadership Pipeline series which has seen over 140 people join at two events to better understand leadership within the community. The long term objectives of these events are to facilitate introductions between aspiring trustees/committee members not currently associated with communal organisations and to give them a greater understanding of what the roles require. We will be hosting more events in the new year and look forward to sharing these details soon!

    We run two major leadership programmes which support lay leaders alongside Jewish professionals. The Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme will run in 2025-26 (applications have now closed), while the Adam Science Leadership Programme for emerging leaders will be recruiting in 2025. We encourage you to check back for news of future cohorts. These long-term programmes see a mix of lay and professional people join with the aim of equipping our leadership with the appropriate skills to ensure our communal organisations have a vibrant, vital and sustainable future.

  • The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) offers a unique gateway for individuals who are passionate about giving back to their community and have the skills to make a strategic impact. By becoming a trustee, you play a vital role in guiding and supporting charities, helping them to achieve their missions and grow.

    Trustees are essential for good governance, ensuring that charities operate effectively, ethically, and in alignment with their core values.

    JVN is committed to connecting prospective trustees with roles that fit their expertise and interests across a wide range of charities. Whether you have a background in finance, HR, communications, or community engagement, JVN can help you find a meaningful trustee role that maximises your abilities and meets pressing needs in the voluntary sector.

    To get involved, start by visiting our website at jvn.org.uk, where you can view current trustee opportunities or reach out to our team for guidance. We provide resources, networking events, and training sessions to ensure that every trustee is equipped.

    Join JVN in supporting charities that matter to you and be part of the legacy of service and community impact!