Trustees Week: an interview with Elaine Kerridge

8 November 2022

In the second Q&A marking Trustees Week, we hear from our Policy, Projects & Participation Manager Elaine Kerridge about being a board member of Fast Forward, the national youthwork organisation specialising in risk-taking behaviours, prevention and early intervention

Name: Elaine Kerridge

Current ‘day’ job: Policy, Projects and Participation Manager, Children in Scotland

Charity that you’re a trustee of: Fast Forward

Role: Chair of the Board

Length of time on the board: Six years

Why did you become a trustee?

I was drawn to Fast Forward as I was aware of the excellent harm reduction work Fast Forward does to support young people’s health and wellbeing. I was interested in being part of shaping the strategic direction of a national charity, to help reach as many young people across Scotland as possible.

What’s the best thing about it?

The staff! Fast Forward staff are creative, committed, knowledgeable, highly skilled and warm, friendly folk. They are what makes Fast Forward such a success and have such a positive impact on young people’s lives.

What kind of challenges has the charity faced that you’ve been able to help with?

Obviously the delivery of the work changed due to the pandemic. It was great to see how quickly Fast Forward staff were able to adapt to being online and carry out quality, impactful work.

How does being a trustee support your own personal or professional development?

I have learned a great deal around policy development and funding through being on the Board. As Chair, I have also developed my own staff management and decision-making skills. It gives me a lot of satisfaction and pride to be part of Fast Forward’s history and development.