Name:  Marguerite Webb

Role:    Trustee and former Chair

Please provide a little bit of background information about yourself

My father served in the RAF, so my early years were spent travelling across the UK and overseas, including time in Aden, Singapore and Germany.   When I was 18, I left Germany and moved to London where I completed a hotel management course and worked in this industry for a few years before moving into sales and marketing manager positions within the travel industry. When I married and started a family in my 30s, I transitioned into marketing consultancy,  working  with companies across various industries for over 10 years.  As a family we later moved to Lancashire, where I worked for several commercial organisations, including HSBC and Honda, before eventually retiring.

How long have you been a trustee of CANW?

I began volunteering with CANW nearly 10 years ago when I retired and will reach the end of my tenure at the end of this year.

What inspired you to get involved with CANW?

A family friend who had been a trustee at CANW recommended the charity to me as I was approaching retirement. The headquarters were in Wilpshire, the village where I live and I had always known of the charity and the great work it did with children and young people in the  community.  I met with CANW’s CEO at the time and was hugely impressed by her passion for the organisation and its mission.  I really felt I had something to offer.

What skills do you think you bring to this role?

With many years of experience behind me, I have brought expertise in marketing, fundraising and networking, helping to encourage more  volunteers to get involved.  I  believe that life experience, common sense and having an open mind are also key qualities for a trustee.  The board is made up of a diverse mix of people – varying in age, gender and background – and each brings valuable skills and life experience, which is so important.

How do you think CANW makes a difference?

Since its formation, originally as Blackburn Orphanage, CANW has made a tremendous contribution to the lives of children and young people in the area. The orphanage was founded in 1886, nearly 140 ago, and it’s incredibly sad that the services we offer are still needed today as much as ever. However, it is also inspiring to see the lasting impact the organisation continues to have.

CANW staff, along with our wonderful foster carers, make a real difference in the lives of the children, young people and families they care for, and It has been a privilege to offer them the support they need to continue their important work.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I love the human element – being involved, seeing the impact firsthand, and knowing I can personally make a difference. As trustees,  we spend a lot of time making sure the charity’s work aligns with its mission and purpose. Shaping future strategies is a particularly fascinating part of the role , and each trustee brings their own experience and perspective to those conversations.

What advice would you give to someone becoming a CANW Trustee?

When someone shows an interest in becoming a trustee, I always tell them they’d be surprised by the  skills they can offer – and the difference they can make within their community. But It’s not just about giving; it’s also about what you gain. The role provides a sense of purpose, and develops highly  transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving, all of which can be incredibly valuable in your career.

Recruiting new trustees can sometime be a challenge , but if someone is passionate about improving the lives of young people, they will always find the time.

How would you sum CANW up in three words?

It’s incredibly difficult to summarise CANW in just three words.  The charity truly has heart and soul, and it really is all about the people – both those who work here and those we exist to support.

People, Purpose, Impact