Q&A with Trustee Andrew Stafford

Future Trees Trust – Q&A with Trustee Andrew Stafford

Q. Tell us a brief history about you and your career.

A. After graduating from Oxford University, I began a career in the diplomatic service lasting 32 years. I worked mainly in Europe (East and West) and had one more distant posting in Ghana.

After leaving the service I worked as a freelance consultant for a couple of years before being appointed Director/ CEO of the Dulverton Trust, a grant-making charity. I retired from Dulverton in 2018 and now concentrate on a small number of trusteeships and providing advice to charities.

I’m married with three grown-up children and live in East Sussex. When not locked down because of Coronavirus I enjoy theatre, skiing, travelling, walking and family life, especially with my two-year old granddaughter.

Q. How did you become a trustee of Future Trees Trust?

A. I came across Future Trees Trust while working at the Dulverton Trust, an independent grant-making charity. Our trustees were very interested in encouraging the planting of trees and immediately saw the value of Future Trees Trust’s work in improving the health and quality of the UK’s tree stock. Although at the time Future Trees Trust’s income was below our minimum requirements they decided to make an exception and awarded a grant.

On my retirement Future Trees Trust’s CEO, Tim Rowland was quick to spot the potential value of having a former funder on the revamped Board and was one of the first to ask if I would become a trustee.

Q. What is your role as a trustee for the charity?

A. Most of my colleagues on the Board are specialists in the science of trees and in the forestry industry and are much more knowledgeable in this area. My role is to draw on my experience from working at a charitable trust to advise on governance matters and fundraising.

Q. What are your thoughts on the work being achieved by Future Trees Trust?

A. I think Future Trees Trust’s research is invaluable in helping to improve the quality and health of our broadleaf stock. Not only will this make growing broadleaf trees more economically viable but it will ensure that the expansion of woodlands is sustainable with all the benefits that brings to the physical and mental well-being of the population, the rural and national economy and; not least, improving the environment and mitigating climate change. Future Trees Trust’s work with partners means that its impact greatly belies its small size. It punches well above its weight.

 

 

Posted on the 10th May 2020 at 4:23pm.