Home » Hear from our Trustee, Shilla, on her experience on the board of Reset
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We spoke to Shilla Mutamba, one of our Trustees, about her experience and why you should apply to join our board!
Why did you apply to be a Reset Board Trustee?
I applied for the Reset Board Trustee opportunity because my personal values are aligned with Reset’s mission of enabling more people and organisations to become involved in community-led welcome of newcomers. Having studied Corporate Governance, Risk and Control as part of an MBA program, coupled with business experience, a multi-contextual scientific/research career and a passion for board diversity and inclusive leadership, I wanted to use my skills, knowledge, experience and unique perspective to support Reset’s purpose, while also learning from others. Although I do not have lived experience as a refugee, I felt that I could draw on my experience as an ethnic minority economic immigrant. When I relocated to England from Africa to take up a new job many years ago, my move was eased and facilitated by a supportive employer, a supportive church family and friends who I picked up along the way. My heart warms up when I think about the kindness that I was shown by complete strangers who have since become friends and colleagues – this is the power of community. By serving as a Reset Board Trustee and ensuring that Reset delivers its purpose effectively, I trust that I am contributing towards helping others to have a positive integration experience.
What does the Reset Board Trustee role entail?
As a Reset trustee, I serve alongside other trustees who bring their own unique perspectives to the decision-making process. Together, we make up the Reset Trustee Board and are collectively responsible for shaping Reset’s strategy, making key decisions and ensuring that Reset stays true to its vision, mission and purpose. Among other things, we ensure that Reset pursues its specified objectives in a sustainable manner and that it effectively manages its resources, complies with relevant legislation, remains accountable, makes informed decisions, effectively manages risks and maintains effective board performance. In addition to supporting the executive and senior management team with advice and other resources, we also perform the important role of bringing independent and objective constructive challenge as needed, with the aim of ensuring that the charity is managed effectively for the benefit of the people whose needs Reset supports.
What do you get out of being a Reset Trustee?
In addition to the joy and satisfaction of serving alongside an amazing team of dedicated people who share my passion for community-led welcome, I am also learning new skills and broadening my leadership experience.
Thank you Shilla!
Our trustees play a critical role in enabling our organisation to deliver its mission. As a trustee at Reset you will be responsible for:
We’re currently recruiting for people to join our board. If you think this could be an opportunity for you, please refer to our Information Pack on how to apply.
Please note the deadline for applications is 31st March 2023 at 5pm. If your application does not have a cover letter your application will be not be considered and you may not receive a response from us.
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Find out how Community Sponsorship helps refugee families in need build a new life in the UK with confidence and dignity.
How do I sponsor a refugee family? How does the process work? Reset is here to support you every step of the way.
We’ve designed toolkits to make it easy for you if you’re involved as a lead sponsor or a local authority.
Wherever you are on the fulfilling and thrilling journey through Community Sponsorship, we have training courses, videos, articles and more, all designed to help your group and the family you support.
From drop-in sessions to UK-wide networking events, we bring together people and professionals involved in all stages of the Community Sponsorship journey.
Make a direct difference in the world by getting involved with your nearest Community Sponsorship group – or starting one up yourself!
Make an extraordinary difference to the lives of people who have lost everything by signing up to our (free) Landlords for Refugees register.
Not everyone can donate their time, so if you are choosing to donate money today instead or as well as, thank you. Your generosity is vital to the work we do support community-led welcome of refugees.
Help others by sharing your account. Why were you attracted to community-led welcome? What worked, what did you learn, what has the experience been like for you?
Reset empowers volunteers to welcome refugees into communities across the UK. Find out about us and the kinds of programmes we’ve been involved with.
Research, monitoring and evaluation are essential for making evidence-based decisions that will support Community Sponsorship to grow and flourish.
Sponsoring a refugee family is a significant responsibility. We advocate for Community Sponsors to ensure that they are properly supported throughout their journey.
Our advocacy focuses on representing the views of Community Sponsors to the Home Office to support them in implementing the necessary operational changes.
We also represent the views of Community Sponsors to other key stakeholders, including Local Authorities, international organisations, the wider resettlement field, housing providers and financial institutions. We also use our voice to campaign on policies affecting refugees. We are members of the Together With Refugees coalition, campaigning for a more humane approach to people seeking protection in the UK.