Meet Our Trustees: The People Behind the Mission Trustee Profile: Rob Yeandle

At Bristol Charities, our Trustees play a vital role in shaping our strategy, guiding our work, and ensuring we stay true to our values and purpose. They bring a wealth of experience, insight and passion to the organisation – helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve.

In this series, we’re introducing you to the individuals behind the boardroom table – sharing their stories, what motivates them, and why they chose to be part of our journey.

Today, we’re delighted to shine a light on Rob Yeandle. With more than three decades of leadership in the construction industry and a deep-rooted passion for Bristol, he shares what inspired him to join our mission, the moments that have shaped his time as a trustee, and why our work feels more important than ever. Here’s what he had to say.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what brought you to Bristol Charities?

I have worked within the Construction Industry since leaving school and, for the last 33 years, I have worked at John Perkins Construction, first as MD and now as Chairman. As my role and day to day involvement at JPC was reducing, I wanted to remain busy and use my acquired skills and knowledge to help any suitable and worthwhile causes.  

When the opportunity at Bristol Charities came up, I was immediately drawn in. After reading more about the organisation and its values, I knew I wanted to apply for the trustee position. As a proud Bristolian, I felt a strong connection to the charity’s mission and the difference it’s making in the city I care deeply about.

Q: What inspired you to become a trustee of Bristol Charities?

As I learned more about Bristol Charities, three things in particular inspired and convinced me to apply for the trustee position. 

First, the charity’s extraordinary 600-year history of supporting those who need it most in Bristol truly resonated with me — a legacy of compassion and community that continues to this day. 

Second, I recognised a strong synergy between Bristol Charities and John Perkins Construction, especially in our shared core values and commitment to partnership as a way of achieving meaningful, long-term change. 

And third, it was an exciting time to get involved. The charity was developing a new vision and strategy aimed at having an even greater impact within Bristol’s communities – something I was eager to contribute to.

Q: What does being part of the Bristol Charities family mean to you?

It means a lot. I hope that although my role within the charity is small compared to most that work there, I can still play a part in helping them achieve their key objectives and goals. The charity has such a rich history, and good solid financial strength, that this gives us an excellent base to work from as we head towards making a bigger impact within the city.

Q: Is there a moment from your time as trustee that’s really kind of stuck with you or inspired you?

At my very first board meeting, our CEO, Julian Mines, outlined the charity’s new vision. During his presentation, he shared that several areas we work with in Bristol fall within the lowest 10% of poverty and deprivation in the entire country – a statistic that genuinely shocked me. I know Bristol well and am aware of the challenges some communities face, but hearing that figure brought the reality into sharp focus. It powerfully reinforced for me why the charity’s work is so vital and why its mission matters so deeply.

Q: How do your personal or professional experiences help you in your role as a trustee?

Having worked in the construction industry throughout my working life I feel that this gives me a good understanding of buildings and housing, which still forms a core part of what we do. I also enjoy, and have experience in, the medium and long term strategic planning process which forms an important part of the various committee and board meetings. I have always worked in relatively small businesses, which I feel has given me a good understanding of all aspects of running a business rather than concentrating in one particular field. The charity is run exactly like any other business.

Q: Why do you think the work Bristol Charities does is so vital for the city – especially now?

The work that Bristol Charities does is vital for our city. The divide between ‘the haves’ and ‘have nots’ is growing ever wider, and the need to help redress this imbalance – as far as is possible – has never been greater. By working towards a fairer, more inclusive Bristol, we can help build a city that is better connected, more compassionate, and full of opportunity for everyone.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved – as a volunteer, donor, or future trustee?

I would encourage them to get involved as the work can be very rewarding. The Bristol Charities’ teams are very well joined up and committed to playing their part in delivering the charity’s mission. As I’m sure is the case with all charities, volunteers and donors are very much welcomed, the more the merrier 😊

Q: In three words or a phrase, how would you describe Bristol Charities?

Forward Looking – Professional – Focused.

Q: Tell us a bit about the new strategy? What does it hope to achieve?

The new strategy focuses on becoming more deeply involved in the communities where we already provide housing. We’ve begun doing this through our network of community hubs, which are helping us build stronger connections with residents. Over time, we hope this approach will not only improve the lives of many residents but also help lift some out of poverty altogether.

Q: Now, how do you take your tea – we have some pretty specific tea-making preferences in our staff, and we’d love to hear yours?

Very simply. Builders tea, a splash of milk, no sugar and boiling hot water. Delicious.