Celebrating our Charity's Women: Lauren Rosegreen

This week we're spotlighting the amazing women at Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity

Lauren was appointed Trustee of Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity back in November 2021. Lauren is a key stakeholder in Greater Manchester’s homelessness ecosystem, and our youngest ever Trustee. She's incredibly busy as Policy and Influence Manager at Macc, as well as communication lead for Invisible Manchester and a co-chair of Greater Manchester Homelessness Action Network's delivery task group. We're incredibly grateful to benefit from her input and expertise.

We asked Lauren about her time with the charity so far. Here's what she had to say:

What’s been the most interesting thing you’ve encountered as a Trustee for GMMC?

Learning from trustees, beneficiaries and professionals from different fields as I've become familiar with the responsibilities of a trustee. Other Board members are all highly respected professionals, so seeing their first-hand approach to governance, finance and trustee policy has been particularly noteworthy. As well as this, I've visited numerous organisations that GMMC have supported. It's been so interesting to meet the beneficiaries, see the incredible (and varied) work that they're doing and gain first-hand insight into the impact we've made. No two days are the same as a trustee - what could be more interesting than that?

What’s been the most unexpected thing you’ve encountered as a Trustee for GMMC?

Having the confidence to challenge a collective narrative when I don't agree. By nature, I'm not confrontational. But being on a Board means you're entrusted with the responsibility to work in the best interests of the charity. This has meant speaking up and challenging other opinions. But also, once a decision has been agreed, to support this and contribute to it to move forwards. I didn't expect this decision-making process to give me this boost in confidence. I've been able to use this confidence to benefit my career and personal life.

You are our youngest ever Trustee and we were proud to offer you your first Board position. What piece of advice would you give to other young women thinking about joining a board?

Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back!

As young people, we often think that we don't have enough experience to make decisions. So we tend to stay quieter and let those with 'more experience' lead conversations. But being young gives us a unique perspective. It has allowed me to bring alternative ideas and views to Board decisions that wouldn't have been explored otherwise. If you are considering becoming a Board member, The Young Trustees Movement is a great network to be involved in.

My key advice would be:

Do not underestimate the power of having a mentor!

Reach out to people to see if you can shadow them.

Get involved in JCI Manchester. They're hosting a trustee event where young people can meet charities and ask questions about becoming a trustee. Follow their socials, join their network and come along to the event.

Keep an eye out for more content this week as we celebrate International Women's Day!

Thanks, Lauren, for all you do for the charity!

Donate today and know that your money will help tackle homelessness across our city-region for a fairer and more sustainable future.