I am delighted to be joining the St Giles & St George Education Charity as a Young Trustee in 2020.

Becoming a trustee for a grant-giving charity primarily focusing on projects to benefit children and young people, especially those from a lower economic background, seemed like the perfect opportunity to utilise my extensive experience.

I currently work as a Grants Officer for the charitable foundation of the UK‘s largest housing association, but I started my vocation in grant-giving at a youth volunteering charity.  There, I oversaw a national portfolio of projects and worked on a variety of dynamic and innovative programmes that empowered young people to make real change, giving impetus to achieve their aspirations, and ensured that young people’s voices were heard and valued.

Having worked and volunteered within charities delivering services to young people from disadvantaged communities, I have experience of the practical challenges many young people face; not only professionally but personally too, as a young person and a Londoner myself.

It is reassuring that charities such as St Giles & St George Education charity recognise the importance of a range of voices being represented at board level, especially when you consider that less than 3% of charity trustees are under the age of 30.  Like many organisations, we continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that the charity’s work is meeting the needs of those most vulnerable, in the most efficient and valuable way.  I do hope I can offer some interesting insights, and I’m especially excited to be able to bring this fresh blend of perspective to the board.

I am, therefore, genuinely very excited at the prospect of learning and growing from such a diverse and supportive board, with a wealth of experience, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us over the coming months.  Most of all, I look forward to continuing to have an impact upon the youth sector in a real and meaningful way.

Jenna Hannon