What does being chair of the board involve?
For me it’s multifaceted. It’s about keeping tuned into the wider operating environment in terms of statutory requirements and also of relevant policy and practice. I also facilitate the development of clear strategic priorities and objectives, with the board and chief executive. Obviously, preparing for and conducting board meetings, the AGM and other general meetings is a big part of the job. It’s also vital to maintain good working relationships with other board members, with the chief executive, and through them with the staff group, and with funders and stakeholders. I regularly represent the organisation at external events and meetings.
Allyson McCollam's CV
School: North Berwick High School
Education: University of Bath BA European Studies (1980); University of Oxford MSc Applied Social Studies (1983); University of Edinburgh PhD Employment Rehabilitation for People with Mental Health Problems (1989)
Work experience
2016 – present: Associate direct of public health NHS Borders
2011 – 2016: Joint head of health improvement, NHS Borders
2009 – 2011: Health improvement lead, children and young people and mental health, NHS Borders
2003 – 2009: Chief executive, Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health
1997 – 2003: Deputy director and director of research, Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health
1991 – 1997: Policy officer, Scottish Association for Mental Health
1994 – 1997: Part-time secondment to Community Care Implementation Unit, Scottish Office
1989 – 1991: Co-owner of a hotel in rural Scotland
1988 – 1989: Research fellow, University of Stirling Social Work Research Centre
1981 – 1983: Child health social worker, Kensington and Chelsea Social Services
1980 – 1981: Residential care worker, Quarriers
Do you have a degree and if so, did it help you get where you are today?
It is a long time since I completed my degree and postgraduate education that it can be hard to say! My further education certainly helped equip me with tools for analytical thinking and awoke in me a curiosity about the world and a sharper appreciation of social justice.
What’s the hardest thing about being chair?
Two things come to mind. Keeping myself focused on governance and strategic issues and resisting the urge to get more involved in the detail of the work of the organisation. Knowing when you are doing a good job – and when you are not – can be hard to gauge.
How did you get your current position?
In 2015, I applied to an advert to join the board when VHS was seeking to co-opt members who had experience of working in the NHS. After a year, I became vice chair, and for a period of three months was interim chair when the previous incumbent left to take up work abroad. I was then elected as chair by the board in November 2017.
What other board experience have you had and did it help?
I have been on the board of several other voluntary organisations – most recently locally in the Scottish Borders where I live. This has given me a reasonable grounding in the statutory aspects of governance, but each organisation has its own culture and values and brings a unique combination of skills and experiences together in its board. It is important to respect that. For a number of years I was chief executive of a national voluntary organisation and this gave me an understanding of the dynamics of working with a board in that role, which I have found useful as a chair.
Has your experience as a trustee, helped your career progression?
It undoubtedly enables me to have a wider perspective on the issues of health and health inequalities in Scotland, which can only be of benefit.
What’s your top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
For me, it’s to protect some time to myself, ideally walking by the sea or in the hills when I can just be. Simple, yet remarkably difficult too!
What advice would you give to a brand-new trustee?
The organisation and your colleagues on the board need you! Don’t be scared to ask questions and offer your views. The fresh perspective and constructive inquiry that a new trustee brings can be of real value.
