In celebration of Trustees' Week 2024, we spoke with some of our Board of Trustee members about their roles within the organisation and what it means to them to be a Trustee.

Matt Pounder

Matt has been a BBS Trustee for over 18 months, joining the Board in Spring 2023. Alongside a keen interest in sport and physical activity, Matt brings additional expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion.

Matt said of his motivation for joining the BBS Board: "I'm extremely passionate about using the power of sport to unlock opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to realise and fulfil their potential and I know that BBS is perfectly aligned to this passion."

When asked about his most memorable time as a Trustee, Matt added: "Hosting the IBSA World Games in 2023 was an incredible time for BBS and although challenges were plentiful, the way in which the team went about delivering this world-class event was truly inspiring.

I'm a huge advocate for building relationships to achieve results and some of my favourite times on the Board have been when the Board and Executive have come together to discuss strategy and opportunities. There are a lot inspirational, dedicated people who deliver the work of BBS and I couldn't be happier to help and also learn from others whilst doing so."

Sophie Fairclough

Sophie has been a BBS Board member for two and a half years, taking on on a multitude of positions within including Board Safeguarding Lead, Chair of Safeguarding Sub-Committee and Legal Advisor to the Board.

When asked why she wanted to join BBS as a Trustee, Sophie said: "I wanted to get involve with a charity in a more consistent way than just doing sporadic fundraising events. I'm really glad that charity was BBS. The team is extremely committed to the work that they do and the communities that they support and there is a great environment at the charity and on the Board."

Over her time as a Board member, Sophie has two memorable occasions to note.

"Attending a Have a Go Day and seeing the brilliant impact that BBS has on people's lives, particularly in seeing young children making friends through games and sports and parents being able to build a support network through meeting other parents at these kinds of events."

Secondly, the IBSA World Games. "Attending the opening ceremony of the IBSA World Games and seeing the amazing show put on by the Birmingham community and the extent of global visual impairment representation at the Games."

Adrian Davies

Adrian Davies has acted as Finance Director on the BBS Board of Trustees for two years. For Adrian, joining the BBS Board was the opportunity to merge his professional expertise in the finance industry with his passion for sport.

"I wanted an opportunity to combine my interests in finance and sport, and to support an amazing charity.

Sport is more than a physical activity. It creates a sense of belonging, provides people with a sense of purpose, and gives them an outlet from their everyday lives."

Highlight the IBSA World Games 2023 as his most memorable occasion as a Trustee, Adrian said: "Attending the World Games in Birmingham and see athletes from all over the world compete was humbling and inspiring at the same time."

To learn more about our Trustees and their roles, please visit: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/trustees