Charity sector insights
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Trustee spotlight: Financial guidance for families in need at Money Buddies
22 October 2025
As a trustee at Money Buddies, Sophie Lees, an Associate Director in our Banking Risk Consulting team, helps guide the charity’s mission to support families in financial crisis.
| What is the charity you are a trustee for, what do they do, and what inspired you to get involved? |
I’ve been a Member and Trustee of a local charity, Money Buddies, since 2018, whose mission is ‘to serve and support the community by offering advice, support, and action to help in the relief of poverty and the improvement of people’s physical and mental wellbeing and ability to manage their money and so to seek to address social injustice’. When I first moved to Leeds, I was looking for a way to connect with the local community through volunteering. I came across a debt advice charity and initially applied for a volunteer role. After speaking with the COO, they suggested I consider joining the Trustee Board instead. Although I hadn’t considered becoming a trustee, and was unsure about what I could contribute while working full-time, I realised the role offered a manageable time commitment and a meaningful way to support the charity. It turned out to be a great fit, allowing me to apply my professional skills while making a tangible impact. |
| In your view, what is the most important aspect of a trustee’s role? |
| I believe the most important aspect is constructively challenging the status quo. Trustees bring diverse backgrounds and experiences; on our Trustee Board, for example, we have former teachers, a local MP, and a vicar, which allows us to offer varied perspectives on the issues the charity faces. By asking thoughtful questions and offering alternative viewpoints, trustees can help guide management toward better decisions and outcomes. |
| Can you share a moment when you felt your work as a trustee made a real difference? |
| It’s been rewarding to apply my professional skills to support the charity. I’ve led governance effectiveness reviews, contributed to CEO salary benchmarking, and participated in interview panels, all areas aligned with my day-to-day work as a Risk Consultant. This not only saves the charity the cost of external support but also gives me deeper insight into its operations and impact. When I read in the committee packs about the demographics and number of people Money Buddies help in Leeds it really grounds to you the impact of our work. In the last year, Money Buddies have been able to support over 8000 people, 85% of whom live below the poverty line. Their advice and support can often be the difference between our customers being able to feed their families or get out of really difficult debt situations. |
| What does effective trustee support look like to you? |
To me, effective support starts with commitment: showing up consistently, being prepared by reviewing meeting packs, and engaging thoughtfully in discussions. Trustee meetings often fall during the working day, so when client commitments prevent me from attending, I make sure to read the materials and send questions in advance. In previous roles, I had 5–10 days annually allocated for volunteering, which allowed me to contribute to the Finance Sub-Committee. With my current policy offering 2 days, I’ve had to step back from that and focus on the Management Committees. Ultimately, it’s about being honest about your capacity and following through on what you commit to. |
| What would help you feel more connected or empowered in your role? How can the organisation you work with support you more? |
| Creating a trustee network across the firm would be incredibly valuable - not just for sharing and best practices, but also for raising awareness of the great work our teams are doing. As someone with limited experience in charity regulation, it would be helpful to know which colleagues I can turn to for advice on specific challenges. A more visible and connected community of trustees would make it easier to learn from others and feel more supported in the role. |
| Are there any resources or networks you’ve found particularly helpful as a trustee? |
| The professional body I’m accredited with (ICAEW) have a wealth of resources to support trustees which are included in the professional fee, which can guide you through the expectations of the role. |
| How has being a trustee contributed to your own personal development? |
Serving as a trustee has broadened my network and given me valuable insight into committee dynamics, something I keep in mind when presenting to client audit and risk committees. It’s also helped me build a strong foundation for future NED opportunities by deepening my understanding of governance responsibilities. I really appreciate how employers like Forvis Mazars support charity work and encourage us to apply our skills in meaningful ways. My partner works in healthcare, and when we share stories over dinner, I sometimes question the impact of my own work. Being a trustee reminds me that I can use my professional expertise to make a real difference, which keeps me motivated. |
| What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee? |
Go for it! In professional services, we’re trained to apply structured thinking to a wide range of challenges - skills that translate well to trustee roles. When I started, I wasn’t sure I had much to offer, but I quickly saw the value I could bring. It’s also important to be realistic about your time commitment and have an open conversation with your people manager. Across the roles I’ve held, I’ve consistently found support for trustee work, which makes a big difference. |
| How do you think the role of trustees is evolving in today’s environment? |
| Trustees are playing an increasingly vital role as charities face growing financial pressures, often operating with fewer resources due to changes in government and local council funding. Skilled volunteers are essential in supporting management teams, and trustees are now expected to bring not only governance oversight but also practical expertise and strategic input to help charities navigate complex challenges. |
22 Oct 2025
Trustees’ Week 2025
At Forvis Mazars, we’re proud to work alongside trustees both within our firm and across the sector. Across Trustees’ Week, we’re shining a light on their stories, sharing insights on effective governance, and encouraging others to explore the value of trusteeship.