Celebrating Trustees Week 2026

This week (9th-13th November) is Trustees Week, a vital opportunity to celebrate the time, skills, and experience that our brilliant trustees give to support our work and governance as volunteers.

Thank you to all our Trustees and especially to Sam Waterfall, who will soon finish his final term with Missing People. Sam’s unwavering support, energy and calm focus has meant so much to us all.

To mark Trustees Week, Lisa Jones, Chair of Trustees shares her insight into why she gives became a Trustee, what the role involves, and her experience so far.

How did you get involved with Missing People?

I’ve been involved in the charity sector for many years, both as a trustee and as a Chair, alongside my professional work with boards and senior leaders.

When the opportunity with Missing People came along, I was immediately struck by the importance of the cause. It’s one of those issues that you perhaps don’t think deeply about until it touches your life, but when you begin to understand the impact of someone going missing, not just on that person, but on everyone who loves them, you realise how vital the work is.

The more I learnt about the organisation, the people behind it and the difference its work makes, the more I wanted to be part of it.

Why did you want to become Chair of Trustees?

There were really two things.

Firstly, the cause itself. Missing People supports people and families at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, and the opportunity to play a part in supporting that work really mattered to me.

Secondly, it was the people. From my earliest conversations, I was struck by the passion, commitment and genuine care that runs through the organisation. There is something very special about the culture at Missing People and a real shared commitment to those in crisis.

I also felt that my experience across boards, leadership and both the charity and commercial sectors could be useful as the organisation looks to the future. A large part of my professional life is spent working with boards and senior leaders, so I’m very conscious of the role a strong Board can play in helping an organisation navigate change, make good decisions and stay focused on impact.

There is a real opportunity to build on the fantastic work already being done and ensure Missing People is in the strongest possible position for the future.

What does your role as Chair of Trustees involve?

I think my role is ultimately about helping the Board be the best it can be, so that the charity can be the best it can be.

That means making sure we are having the right conversations, asking the right questions and staying focused on the things that really matter. It is about providing both support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive Officer and her team, while making sure we never lose sight of why we are here.

A big part of the role is also about people: building a strong, engaged Board, making the most of everyone’s different skills and experience, and creating an environment where people feel able to contribute, challenge and bring different perspectives.

I also see myself as an ambassador for Missing People. I want to use my networks and experience to help more people understand the work of the charity, open doors and build the relationships and financial support that will help us achieve even greater impact.

How has the experience been so far?

It has been a hugely rewarding experience, although certainly not without its challenges.

I stepped into the role at a time of considerable change, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive, so there has been plenty to get involved with from the outset. It has meant thinking carefully about the role of the Board, how we support the organisation through change and how we make sure we remain focused on both immediate priorities and the longer-term future of the charity.

One of the real highlights has been the Night of Light Gala. It was such a special evening and a wonderful reminder of what Missing People is all about. Bringing together people who care so deeply about the cause, hearing the stories behind the work and seeing the generosity of our supporters was incredibly moving.

What has struck me most, though, is the extraordinary commitment of everyone involved, from our staff and volunteers to our trustees, supporters and partners.

There is a lot to do and inevitably there will be challenges ahead, but I’m very excited about this next chapter and what we can achieve together.

If you would like to join Lisa at the next Night of Light Gala, click here for more details.