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 Trustee Keith Hicks. Keith is a highly respected leader with a wealth of experience across business, social enterprise, and the voluntary sector. As a trustee of Bristol Charities and Chair of the Sofa Project, Keith brings strategic insight and a deep understanding of the educational landscape in Bristol. Passionate about the city, and its potential, he is committed to strengthening local communities and supporting organisations to make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives.
We really enjoyed sitting down with him to learn more about his work, both past, present and future!
Trustee Profile Piece: Keith Hicks
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself – your background, and what brought you to Bristol Charities?
I was part of the senior team helping run the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) for some 20 years. There I saw the power of education to create opportunities for people, help them develop, help them get on, and succeed in life.
Q: What inspired you to become a trustee? Was there a personal experience or moment that shaped that decision?
I had opportunity. I think others should have too. My parents were very involved in charities. I set one up myself in my early 20s. Then work and family got a bit in the way. However, I learnt a lot in my career. I wanted to use that knowledge and experience to help some very inspiring charities.
Q: What does being part of Bristol Charities mean to you personally?
The satisfaction of being able to assist, even in some small way. Especially for a community where I live.
Q: Is there a moment from your time as a trustee that’s really stuck with you?
Two. The first was meeting (let’s say her name was) Olive at one of our almshouses. She told me her story about feeling very vulnerable in a run down estate in Bristol. She was rehoused in John Foster’s in Henbury where she felt comfortable and safe. Her disabled sister was also living upstairs, and they had tea together every afternoon. They were both very content.
The second was the opening of the Vassal Centre as a Community Centre. Hundreds of local people attended from the most diverse of backgrounds all rubbing along really well and enjoying themselves, which made me see the full potential of a strong community setting.
Q: How do your personal or professional experiences help you in your role as a trustee?
Beyond my experience in finance and other commercial work, I have had some good mentors in my time and I hope I can do the same for Bristol Charities.
Q: Why do you think the work Bristol Charities does is so vital for the city – especially now?
Again two reasons: The first, Its Community Hubs I believe will “reach parts that others can’t” providing multiple solutions and support to lift people out of poverty, it might be clothes, food, a job, washing machine, friends, money advice, a bed, carer support or just security.
The second is VCSE support projects, giving vital support to the infrastructure that helps others – with subsidised rent, facilities, expertise and like-minded people to help them survive in a tough financial climate.
Q; What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved – as a volunteer, donor, or future trustee?
Please do. Everyone has a lot to offer.
Q: In three words or a phrase, how would you describe Bristol Charities?
Ambitious, Inventive and Energetic.
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?
In a large mug with a tea bag, usually with it still in, I’m afraid.
