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Trustee spotlight: A steady hand at the helm of community service at the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust
InsightsPublic and social sector insightsTrustees’ Week 2025
Trustee spotlight: Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust
22 October 2025
Bob Neate, Partner in our Industry and Services audit team, channels his passion for giving back through trustee roles that support youth development and heritage conservation - serving as Treasurer for both the 2nd Enfield Boys’ Brigade and the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust.
| What inspired you to become a trustee? |
| Giving back. As a child I benefitted greatly from being in the 2nd Enfield Boys’ Brigade Company, run by volunteers. It encouraged friendship, respect, teamwork, communication and self-discipline, but it also helped me raise my aspiration on what I could achieve. The personal skills and attitudes I learnt there helped me have a successful career. Charities and youth organisations can only exist if they have volunteers. It feels good to give back using some of the skills I have learnt over the years. Some 40+ years later I am Treasurer to that same youth group which helped me as a child but also am Trustee and Treasurer to the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust which protects a unique fleet of 14 heritage ‘Broads’ yachts and gives opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience sailing in the beautiful Norfolk Broads. |
| In your view, what is the most important aspect of a trustee’s role? |
| Taking responsibility. Trustees are the ‘Board’ of the charitable organisation with responsibility for strategy, oversight and governance, ensuring the charity is operating effectively within its objectives. It is a serious role with a high duty of care that requires commitment. It is important that anyone considering becoming a Trustee understands the commitment needed for that specific organisation and is comfortable accepting responsibility. |
| Can you share a moment when you felt your work as a trustee made a real difference? |
| When I was a Trustee of Mazars Charitable Trust – every time a grant was made it had a real impact. Whether it was building schools in Nepal following its terrible earthquake, providing key equipment for Air Ambulances or funding a theatre project taken to schools on the impact of knife crime. As Trustees, we chose projects with care to ensure our funding had a real impact. |
| What does effective trustee support look like to you? |
In truth the best support I have is my many colleagues in Forvis Mazars who have specialist knowledge in charities accounting and governance – who let me pester them with questions! All new Trustees should make sure they understand their role and responsibilities. Both the Charities Commission and ICAEW have free online training available. |
| Are there any areas where you feel additional support or training would help you be more effective? |
| For me personally no. I am lucky to be in a firm with skilled colleagues who I am happy to pester with questions when needed. I also work reduced days which gives me time for volunteer roles. For full-time colleagues I expect the biggest challenge to accepting a Trustee role will be time availability. Businesses should consider allowing some ‘CSR’ days that staff can use for volunteering. |
| What would help you feel more connected or empowered in your role? How can the organisation you work with support you more? |
| It is important that any organisation has clear, documented objectives and policies and a clear responsibilities structure. I am fortunate to be involved in established organisations where it is clear what my responsibilities are, and I feel duly empowered to perform my role. |
| Are there any resources or networks you’ve found particularly helpful as a trustee? |
| As noted above I am fortunate to be part of Forvis Mazars which gives me access to many relevant specialists. Colleagues have been fantastic sharing their wisdom. It is also important that Trustees act collectively as a Board, using their individual skills to support each other in pursuit of the charity’s objectives. |
| How has being a trustee contributed to your own personal development? |
| Any role where you work collectively with a group of engaged people from different backgrounds helps build your own experience. |
| What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee? |
| Make sure it is something you really want to do and that you have sufficient time to commit. It is a responsible role and must be taken seriously. Also set our boundaries (time, involvement levels) early as there is a risk of being dragged into more than you have capacity for. Get it right though and you will hopefully find it one of the most enriching things you do. |
| How do you think the role of trustees is evolving in today’s environment? |
| Probably rightly the Charities sector is becoming progressively more regulated, which inevitably have a knock-on impact on the role of Trustees. It is important that all Trustees keep up to date with regulatory developments in the sector. |
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.