Teresa at the helm
Sustainability and continuity is focus for BRDT chair
The short-term priority at the moment for the Trust is to ensure its own sustainability and continuity for its existing projects and activities
A shake-up of the board of Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust (BRDT) has seen a new chair take up post and a renewed focus on “ensuring good governance, efficient procedures, policy development and probity” for the organisation.
Teresa Donaldson – who is also the finance officer for the development trust in Coupar Angus, Forward Coupar Angus, and the business coordinator for the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development (SCYD) in Blairgowrie – took on her latest role last month.
Her appointment follows the resignation of previous chair Stuart Nichol, who has been chair of BRDT since 2019 and who will remain on the board as a trustee.
Commenting on his resignation, Stuart said: “After two-and-a-half years as chair much has changed, largely due to the pandemic, which has affected everyone in different ways.
“The key thing now is to look to the future and do everything we can to improve the town and services available.
“It is also important that there should be a regular rotation or turnover of officebearers to keep organisations on their toes and fresh, bringing new ideas and approaches and deploying our abilities to best effect.
“I am still a trustee and will focus my attention on projects and working to strengthen joint and partnership working with others in the town so collectively we can operate in a more efficient and effective manner.
“I believe as a result of the cost of Covid on finances across the board, we stand a much better chance of securing resources for the town in the future if we work together in a collaborative way.
“Teresa has significant experience of working and volunteering in the third sector and her background in finance and administration makes her an ideal person to take the chair.
“She will focus more on ensuring good governance, efficient procedures, policy development and probity, while the other trustees focus on project delivery and initiatives.
“The board are fully behind her appointment and we know she will do an excellent job.
“I wish her all the best and she can count on my support any time if needed.”
Teresa added: “I am both delighted and excited at being given the opportunity to take a turn in the chair of BRDT and thank my fellow trustees for their support and confidence in my capacity to undertake the role.
“I’ve worked for local charity organisations for 10 years and I’m very much looking forward to bringing my professional skills as well as the experience and knowledge of third sector operation I have gained to support the operation of the Trust.
“During this time, I’ve been given great opportunities by my employers in terms of both personal and professional development and I fully recognise the importance of third sector organisations for the support and opportunities they offer to all involved in them – board members, employees, volunteers, service users and the wider community alike.
“Community groups are a vital resource for many local residents and, particularly after Covid, this is being more widely acknowledged – the contributions made to the people of Blairgowrie and Rattray during the pandemic by local organisations was an incredible effort through the coming together of many diverse groups.
“I believe this cohesion of community groups is what makes for success and I would hope that BRDT can further develop as a key anchor organisation, available to provide resources and support to the many groups and organisations in the town.
“The short-term priority at the moment for the Trust is to ensure its own sustainability and continuity for its existing projects and activities.
“Now, more than ever as a result of the pandemic, third sector funding is likely to be a very competitive market.
“In my experience more and more funders are looking to support organisations that can evidence resilience and sustainability through good governance, planning, strategic development and sound financial and administrative management – all of which have been the key duties of my employment over the last 10 years.
“My hope is that I can contribute to embedding and further developing these aspects of BRDT to ensure the trust continues to grow in supporting the many activities, projects and opportunities for Blairgowrie and Rattray and its communities.”