Trustees' Week 2025
07 Nov 2025
Trustees’ Week (3- 7 Nov) is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK.
At Arts & Business NI, we see every day how strong, values-driven governance helps cultural organisations thrive. We’re proud to work alongside trustees from across the arts and cultural sector to build confident, connected, and effective boards - through new board member training, recruitment and matching, whole-board sessions, and one-to-one support for Chairs and CEOs.
To mark Trustees’ Week, two of our brilliant board members - Deborah Collins and Stephen McCrystall, share their experiences of becoming trustees, and why they’d encourage others to take on this rewarding role.
1. Why did you become a Trustee?
Stephen McCrystall: “I became a Trustee through the ‘Young Leaders on Arts Boards’ Programme, delivered by Arts & Business NI – a perfect combination for someone like me who has a love for creativity and governance! The concepts of community and giving back have always been deeply held personal values, so the Young Leaders Programme was an incredible way to receive high-quality training with other like-minded people. Participating within the programme absolutely provided us with an enriching and educational overview of how to be an effective Trustee – and it provided a real confidence boost by validating that the skills and perspectives each Trustee brings are both valuable and necessary. Fast-forward to November 2025, I have celebrated the milestone of 1.5 years as a Trustee for Arts & Business NI!”
Deborah Collins: “I became a trustee because I believe creativity and collaboration can transform communities. After years working in sales and business development, I wanted to give back in a way that connected the worlds of both business and the arts. I felt really energised by the possibility of using my skills to support the transformative work undertaken by Arts & Business NI.”
2. What do you enjoy most about being a trustee?
Stephen McCrystall: “It’s so difficult to pick just one thing! The connections, the variety, the accomplishments, and the moments for problem-solving and growth are all highlights. As a board member, I feel like we collectively strive for that perfect balance of strategic, forward-looking discussions, time for reflective insights, celebrate successes, while also ensuring a healthy amount of operational decision-making! A strong part of the enjoyment comes from the skills I have developed in areas I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. The growth seems to be part of every Trustee’s journey, which is really exciting in itself.”
"Above all else, if I had to choose one, I would say it is the fire-in-the-belly feeling of hoping your involvement is helping the organisation to thrive and to deliver against its objectives for the benefit of the people and the communities we serve.“
Deborah Collins: “I became a trustee because I believe creativity and collaboration can transform communities. After years working in sales and business development, I wanted to give back in a way that connected the worlds of both business and the arts. I felt really energised by the possibility of using my skills to support the transformative work undertaken by Arts & Business NI."
3. Would you recommend others become a trustee?
Stephen McCrystall: "Without a doubt, yes! Everyone brings their own contributions which, when taken together, empowers the organisation to succeed as a well-balanced ecosystem. The time commitment is very manageable even when life is busy, and the social side of things makes it so rewarding."
Deborah Collins: Absolutely, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. Trusteeship gives you a chance to use your experience for good, meet inspiring people, and keep learning. It’s not just about governance; it’s about purpose, creativity, and community.
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To find out more about Arts & Business NI governance programmes and access our free resources go to > Governance Support and Services | Arts & Business NI
Our next board member training event takes place on 12 Nov in Derry-Londonderry - The Fundamentals of Arts Boards Membership. Find out more and book here
Our Funders & Partners
Arts & Business NI is generously supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
