Ollie Smith, who works in brand marketing for The Guernsey Institute, joined LBFCI on board attachment at the end of 2023—and hasn’t looked back since.
As a participant in the GTA’s Non-Executive Director (NED) Development Programme, Ollie was approached to interview for a board role with the Foundation who were looking for a candidate with strong communications and brand expertise. Following a successful selection process Ollie joined the board, bringing with him senior-level strategic insight as well as the fresh perspective of someone whose day job is rooted in brand building and communications.
“LBFCI is a really well-run, professional charitable foundation,” Ollie says. “It’s full of talented people from all kinds of backgrounds, and I’m learning so much from them both personally and professionally. I’ve also been blown away by the incredible work of the charities applying for funding—it’s really opened my eyes to what’s happening in our islands and how these organisations are making a difference.”
Ollie’s role involves observing board meetings, engaging in discussions, and shadowing elements of the grant application, assessment and awarding process. “It’s a great opportunity to see what goes into a robust funding decision,” he says. “You get to understand the challenges and constraints that funders face, as well as the immense value placed on local charities that are working so hard behind the scenes.”
One of the things Ollie appreciates most about his experience is the openness and inclusivity of the LBFCI board. “It’s not just a box-ticking exercise. I’ve felt genuinely included and encouraged to share ideas.”
The board attachment programme forms part of the Foundation’s wider commitment to developing local talent and supporting them to get involved in the governance of charities in the Channel Islands for mutual benefit. Bringing people with different experiences into the boardroom—particularly from under-represented professions and communities, and people with lived experience—strengthens governance and decision-making and helps create deeper impact.
“It’s rewarding because it’s so worthwhile,” Ollie reflects. “What LBFCI does really matters—and I’m proud to be playing a small part in that.”
For more information about getting involved in the GTA NED programme, visit https://gta.gg/course/director-development/ned-development-programme
