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 Anita Woodburn, who brings both deep practical expertise in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and extensive commercial and government knowledge.
Anita’s commitment to inclusive leadership and her experience across sectors make her an invaluable voice in our Board of Trustees. She plays a key role in helping us ensure that our work is not only impactful, but rooted in fairness, representation, and long-term sustainability.
Trustee Profile: Anita Woodburn
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself – your background, and what brought you to Bristol Charities?
I come from a procurement and commercial background within the Ministry of Defence, where I also had the privilege of leading on Equality Diversity and inclusion initiatives. Alongside my professional role, I served as a local councillor for Downend and Bromley Heath, serving the community.
My passion for community engagement and social impact is what has brought me to Bristol Charities, joining Bristol Charities has allowed me to contibute to an organisation that shares my values.
Q: What inspired you to become a trustee? Was there a personal experience or moment that shaped that decision?
What inspired me to become a trustee was a combination of personal experience and a desire to give back as I moved into retirement, I felt it was a perfect time to use my skills and lived experience to support the charity.
Q: What does being part of Bristol Charities mean to you personally?
Being a trustee means a great deal to me personally – it is an opportunity to give back in a way that feels purposeful and rooted in my values, After a career in the MoD and serving as a local councillor, I wanted to continue making a positive impact in my community.
Q: Is there a moment from your time as a trustee that’s really stuck with you?
One moment that really stuck with me was the opening of the newly refurbished “Vassal Centre” The atmosphere was incredibly uplifting with such strong community support and attendance. – it really brought home the power of inclusive spaces, and the importance of what Bristol Charities was doing.
Q: How do your personal or professional experiences help you in your role as a trustee?
My personal experiences have given me a deep understanding of the importance of inclusive, community focused support. Working within the MoD, particularly in Procurement and as an Equality and Diversity lead, has taught me how to navigate complex challenges, advocate for fairness, and ensure that different voices are heard.
As a local councillor, I have seen first-hand the needs of our communities and the difference that well targeted support can make.
Q: Why do you think the work Bristol Charities does is so vital for the city – especially now?
I believe the work Bristol Charities does is more vital than ever, especially now, with risising costs of living, increasing pressure on public services, and growing inequality across the city many people are struggling to access even the most basic support – for example Dentistry, This gives the charity opportunity to step in where its needed, providing affordable housing , community spaces and wellbeing initiatives that make real differences to people every day lives.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved – as a volunteer, donor, or future trustee?
I would tell them volunteering with Bristol charities would give them a chance to connect with their commuinty, and to use any skills the charity would find useful, for the good in their community and be part of something meaningful and rewarding.
Q: In three words or a phrase, how would you describe Bristol Charities?
Impactful – Empowering – Community driven
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?
I like my tea like my meetings, short, strong and with a bit of milk to keep things smooth