Being a Board Member is not for the feint-hearted! One of our Board Members give you some idea of what it's really like for them:
Akhtar Hussain has been a Board Member at Irwell Valley for 5 years. He says:
"I originally got involved to continue my involvement with the delivery of public sector housing. As a member of the Board, I contribute to the on-going agenda of looking at who we are, where we're going and how we're going to get there. We also monitor the progress of whether the Association is meetings its objectives and delivering its mission.
"I have a particular interest in the areas of discrimination and disadvantage, and am now the lead Board Member for Equality & Diversity at Irwell Valley. I attend the E&D forum and see myself as a catalyst for change and as being the link between Board and service delivery by acting as a 'critical friend'.
"I am also Chair of Irwell Valleys Golden Foundation Advisory Group - which has recently been set up to fund projects for the benefit and advancement of our residents, as well as giving rewards to residents & their families for collective and individual achievements.
"Being on the Board has sharpened my skills in working as a member of a team - including listening, speaking, negotiating and debating. Its helped me keep in touch with the 'real world' and increase my knowledge and awareness of what's going on - which has helped with my other passion of writing.
"I would definitely recommend a friend to get involved in something similar!"