Taylor Root UK Trustee Network: Interview with Fran Forsyth, Indigo Volunteers

Author Sarah Ingwersen
February 7, 2023
Two women sit down and smile at work

As part of the Taylor Root UK Trustee Network, a pro-bono initiative we created to help our networks and communities, we are always looking to speak to legal professionals who want to develop themselves personally and professionally.

Here, Sarah Ingwersen, Partner and Global Head of In-house Legal, sat down with Fran Forsyth, Global General Counsel at Arcadis to learn more about her role at Indigo Volunteers.

Fran Forsyth, Global General Counsel at Arcadis and Trustee at Indigo Volunteers.

What does your trustee organisation do?

Indigo Volunteers directly and efficiently connects volunteers with humanitarian organisations. Indigo helps hundreds of humanitarians put their boots on the ground each year. This means that dozens of projects have the vital support necessary to keep their programmes running and increase their activities. 

Why were you interested in becoming a Trustee?

Having been involved in fundraising for refugee charities, I realised that I could provide additional, much needed support by volunteering my time in support of a small charity where specialist skills are needed. Indigo Volunteers focuses on organisations supporting refugees and migrants which is a cause I was keen to support. Having spotted an advert for Trustees for Indigo, I realised that my legal skills could be applied to support them. 

Briefly describe your role as a Trustee and what involvement you have in your organisation?

I am one of five Trustees and act as Secretary to the Board. We meet quarterly for Board meetings and more regularly where required. Each Trustee is also involved in other aspects of the Charity’s organisation whether it’s fundraising, finance or supporting the CEO with strategy planning. As a lawyer, I get involved in employment matters; insurance arrangements, policy documents and governance. It has been a learning curve since I had no prior experience of how charities are run but there is so much information available through the Charity Commission and elsewhere and we work closely with an excellent and committed management team.

What are the benefits to a General Counsel being a Trustee?

Feeling a part of an organisation that is really making a difference to peoples’ lives at a grass roots level is very inspiring. Lawyers have many skills that they may take for granted that are of a great help to a small charity in providing additional support in areas which may be outside business as usual for the charity’s team. I would encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a Trustee to give it a go!

What is the Taylor Root UK Trustee Network? 

The Taylor Root UK Trustee Network is a pro-bono initiative we created to help our networks and communities. We are in a privileged position of speaking to legal professionals who want to develop themselves personally and professionally, so we knew the appetite to become a Trustee was high.  

The UK has a thriving third sector/non-profit division, so the need for legal professionals to join organisations in a Trustee capacity was even higher. Born out of this was the Taylor Root UK Trustee Network. We connect likeminded legal professionals who want to become Trustees with organisations looking to hire people-focused individuals to their business. 

How can candidates and clients get involved? 

If you are interested in a Trustee role or are looking to hire a Trustee position, please get in touch with Sarah to find out more.  

We want to reiterate that this is not a paid service and will be a referral programme, so please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

In-house legal jobs

  • Energy

Legal Counsel – Mining & Energy

The business: We are working with the world’s leading steel and mining company. Our client;s goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes, which are more efficient, use less energy and emit significantly less carbon. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Our client has the clear […]
  • Posted Posted 1 day ago
  • Transport

Senor Legal Counsel

Position Title: Senior Legal Counsel Principal Work Location: Chippenham/Birmingham Department: Legal Reports to (Title): Region General Counsel Europe ABOUT THE JOB A global automotive leader that serves both commercial and consumer clients for over 100 years. Headquartered in the US, is one of the largest family-owned automotive service organizations in North America with more than […]
  • Salary Bonus, Company Car, Medical, Pension
  • Posted Posted 1 day ago
  • Technology (in-house)

General Counsel – SaaS

We are partnering with a dynamic, high-growth technology scale-up to appoint an outstanding legal leader. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will provide strategic counsel to the board and executive team, navigating a complex global regulatory landscape. This is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic direction of an innovative business, driving impactful global initiatives […]
  • Salary £180000 – £220000 per hour
  • Posted Posted 2 days ago
  • Management consulting

Head of Legal (Legal Operations) – Contractor

The Business: Our client are a leading global investment research business who are seeking a contractor to join the team as soon as possible. The role: The role will play an integral part of the legal team over the next few months to a year. The key purpose of the role will be to spearhead […]
  • Salary Outside IR35
  • Posted Posted 5 days ago
  • Logistics

Head of Legal – Delivery & Logistics

Our client is a trusted market leader within the logistics sector. They are seeking a talented and commercially minded Head of Legal to join their high performing team. In this pivotal and wide-ranging role, you will provide comprehensive legal support and strategic direction across all areas of the business, ensuring high levels of service across […]
  • Posted Posted 5 days ago
  • Real estate (in-house)

Legal Counsel – Real Estate

About the company: A fast-growing global real estate business who are part of a wider international conglomerate are seeking a Legal Counsel to join their legal team. About the role: Reporting to the Group General Counsel. The Legal Counsel will advise on all legal, company secretarial and risk management matters relating to the Group’s businesses […]
  • Posted Posted 5 days ago
  • Telecommunications

Contract Manager

My client is a large telecommunications company with global operations. They are seeking to appoint a Contract Manager, who will provide contracting and transaction support to the International Roaming Team. Reporting to the General Counsel, this is a newly created position that has come about due to global growth. The role is contract based and […]
  • Posted Posted 1 week ago
  • Media/entertainment

Corporate Paralegal

Company My client is a fast-paced global media company who are looking to appoint a Corporate Paralegal to join their legal team. This is a newly created role where you will manage your own workstreams, which will predominantly involve entity management (UK, US, Singapore and Australia), as well as traditional corporate paralegal duties such as […]
  • Posted Posted 1 week ago

Trustee interviews