be part of real change

Nicola is KRAN’s Deputy Chair and a Research Assistant for the Women in Refugee Law (WiRL) network. She is also completing her own research project exploring the relationship between media framing and asylum policy. She has more than 15 years’ experience in communications-focused roles and has worked in a voluntary capacity directly with refugees in the UK and abroad.

Here, she answers some questions about her role.

Why and when did you become a KRAN Trustee?

I volunteered with KRAN for a few years before being “nudged” to apply to be a Trustee in 2020. At first, I wondered if this opportunity was for me: I was mid-career change and expecting my first child - did I really have any (brain) capacity left? My partner knew how much I cared about KRAN and encouraged me to find out more - the rest, I suppose, is history. A few years in and I was being “nudged” again, this time to apply to be Deputy Chair!

What does it involve?

Being a Trustee is a diverse role. It requires involvement in the strategic direction and governance of KRAN while working on specific projects (depending on your personal skillset and experience). My favourite project to date was being involved with the recruitment of the Youth Ambassadors. I am always inspired by KRAN’s young people. As Deputy Chair, I also participate in more operational decision-making alongside the Chair and CEO.

What makes a good Trustee?

Being a Trustee isn’t an onerous commitment but does require time, dedication, and a willingness to learn from/collaborate with others. It doesn’t matter if you are experienced in working in a different field, as long as you share a passion for refugee rights and protection. Actually, a different perspective is always a bonus.

What is it like working with KRAN?

KRAN’s young people refer to the “KRAN family” and I think this perfectly captures the spirit of the organisation. KRAN is a charity founded on support, kindness and respect and this is reflected in the dynamic between Trustees.

Anything else you would like to add - hopes for the future?

Being a Trustee with KRAN is a very practical way to challenge the misinformation and hostility surrounding seeking asylum in the UK. I encourage anyone looking to be part of real change within the Kent community (and beyond) to find out more about KRAN.

To find about more about our current vacancies for Trustees and how to apply, click here