Finding Purpose as a Trustee: Chris's Story
- We Change Lives
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 19 minutes ago
After decades working at Board level in a national retail chain, Chris Howarth found himself at a crossroads. Retirement offered a new kind of freedom, but it also came with a question he kept coming back to: how could he use everything he'd learned to make a real difference?
For Chris, the answer was clear... he wanted to give back.
When he came across We Change Lives, it felt like a place where he could do just that. Here was a charity that genuinely puts people first, supports its colleagues, and makes a meaningful difference in communities across the North West and Midlands.
Chris joined WCL as a Trustee and now serves as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Colleagues and Culture Committee.
"I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself – something that helps shape care and changes lives for the better."
In his role, he brings decades of leadership experience to a Board where decisions go far beyond reports or budgets. They’re about people, culture, and shaping care for the long term.
Being a Trustee has challenged Chris in unexpected ways. There are the strategic discussions and governance responsibilities – and then there are the deeply human moments: supporting colleagues through change, helping the leadership team navigate difficult situations, and thinking about the impact on the people WCL serves.
“Becoming a Trustee gave me challenge, purpose, and a completely different kind of fulfilment.”
It’s this balance of guiding a growing organisation while staying connected to its heart and people, that makes the role so rewarding.
Chris has played a part in shaping strategy, supporting colleagues, and asking the kind of questions that encourage new perspectives. And through it all, he’s seen first-hand the difference a Board can make to people’s lives.
His journey shows that being a Trustee is about both giving and learning. It’s about sharing professional expertise, listening, reflecting, and helping steer an organisation with care. It’s about connecting with people, understanding challenges, and celebrating successes together.
“It’s meaningful work that really stays with you.”
For anyone thinking about becoming a Trustee, Chris’s experience is a reminder that it's far more than a role or title – it's a real opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting difference. At We Change Lives, that difference touches colleagues, communities, and the people we support every day. 🧡
We currently are searching for Trustees to join our Board! 🔎
If you're keen to use your experiences to support social care, the wellbeing of the people we support and our teams, and want to develop your leadership - this is the perfect role for you!
This role is voluntary and requires a time commitment of one day per month.
