We had a chat with Gerry Morrison and Harriet Wheeldon at Rollits about the launch of a brand new podcast dedicated to charities.
Working in partnership with the HEY Smile Foundation, local law firm Rollits will soon launch the “HEY Charity” podcast. The series is dedicated to supporting the voluntary and community sectors by sharing insight into hot topics and key challenges affecting charitable organisations.
“Each episode of the HEY Charity podcast will offer advice from the perspective of lawyers here at Rollits and also experienced charity executives,” said Gerry Morrison, Partner and Head of Charities at Rollits. “This will ensure a balanced and in-depth approach to helping charities keep up to date with the latest changes and apply best practice.”
Registered in 2008, the HEY Smile Foundation represents the voice of the charity sector in Hull and East Yorkshire. The first HEY Charity podcast will launch during Trustees’ Week (4-8 November), focusing on what the role of a trustee involves and the key challenges faced when recruiting them.
“The podcast will look at trustees and charity leaders and emphasise how people from all kinds of backgrounds can be involved with charities as trustees, volunteers, or by sitting on a committee,” added Gerry. “There’s a common misconception that trustees are retired people, but this certainly doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, anyone can be a trustee and charities benefit from having a diverse range of people on their boards. When opportunities are open to everyone, that’s when you get a very interesting trustee board which can deliver more effective decision making.”
Harriet Wheeldon, Senior Solicitor at Rollits, said: “In the podcast, we’ll chat with people who live and breathe charities either through their current role or their experiences over the years. This will provide some interesting commentary for people to listen to, as well as key tips for them to take away.”
The first episode of the HEY Charity podcast will feature Trish Dalby, former Deputy Chief Executive at Hull City Council and a highly experienced charity trustee. She is currently the Chair of HEY Smile Foundation and a trustee of the Philip Reckitt Library Trust. Over the years, Trish has also served as Chair of Generation Hull, Chair of Welcome House, Vice Chair of the Freedom Festival Arts Trust, a trustee of the Frances and Cyril Bibby Bequest, and worked as a Family and Criminal Panel Magistrate.
“If trustees can hear from experienced trustees and charity leaders who have lived through something that they might be facing themselves, they receive valuable inspiration and reassurance,” said Gerry. “Trish has so much experience to share, so the podcast will be extremely insightful.”
Harriet added: “The beauty of podcasts is that they’re very accessible, as you can listen to them whenever and however you want, plus they’re a great thing to have on whilst driving to and from work.
“It was also great to work with Ben Gray and the volunteers at Beverley FM who produced the podcast for us.”
The specialist charity lawyers at Rollits work with sector leaders and trustees, offering support in understanding the role of a trustee. This can include how to make effective decisions, how to ensure a charity has an efficient governing document, and how charity law affects day-to-day activities such as fundraising. This guidance can also be delivered in the form of trustee training for individuals and groups.
“Make sure to listen to the HEY Charity podcast, with the first episode launching on Monday 4th November during Trustees’ Week and new episodes released every month,” said Gerry. ”It has a relaxed and conversational format, so it’s sure to be fun and informative.”
You can listen to the HEY Charity podcast on Spotify, Mixcloud and SoundCloud.