putting trust in our trustees

By Rishan, Media Ambassador

This week (4-8 November 2024), we have been saying thank you to all trustees for the incredible commitment and effort they bring, ensuring that charities like ours continue to make a positive impact in communities nationwide.

Among these inspiring trustees is Nadia, who is in her late teens. She brings a  unique perspective and adds meaningful value to the KRAN board. Here, she shares her journey as a trustee and what drives her to represent youth facing challenges similar to her own.

Why a KRAN trustee?

“I became a trustee because I wanted to be able to support young people going through the process of seeking asylum and relocation. It’s really important that from a service and support point of view, young people - especially those with lived experience - are at the table when deciding what help is offered to them.”

For Nadia, becoming a trustee was about more than just filling a role: it was about amplifying the voices of young people who have faced hardship, so that they are active participants in shaping the programmes meant to support them.

Her journey with KRAN reflects a desire to foster an inclusive environment where those impacted by policies and programmes have a say in their design and implementation.

Why representation matters

“The voice of young people with lived experience is needed to ensure that policies and programmes actually provide solutions that meet the needs of those who rely on them. My voice helps ensure that youth are represented in the choices being made that affect their lives.”

Nadia reminds us of the power of authentic representation. Her role as a trustee allows her to advocate for effective, empathetic solutions that truly resonate with the young people KRAN serves. By sharing her experiences, she ensures that KRAN’s initiatives are built around real needs and challenges, helping bridge the gap between those in need and those with the power to make a difference.

What being a KRAN trustee involves

“Being a trustee means helping to make decisions about the charity’s direction, ensuring that its activities are aligned with its mission. It means working with other trustees to give youth a voice and always thinking about both short- and long-term impacts.”

As a trustee, she takes on the responsibility of guiding KRAN’s mission, collaborating with other trustees to make informed decisions that will shape the charity’s future.

Her commitment underscores the importance of trusteeship, not only in terms of governance but in ensuring that the charity remains true to its mission and accountable to the communities it serves.

We are looking for new trustee talent, specifically those with lived experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.

If this is you - and you share a passion for refugee rights and protection - please send your CV and a cover letter to chair@kran.org.uk.