Taylor Root UK Trustee Network: An interview with Harry Borovick

As part of our interview series for our Trustee Network, Taylor Root Partner, Georgia Morgan-Wynne, recently spoke to Harry Borovick, General Counsel at Luminance, about being a Trustee for M7 Education

What does your charity do?

M7 Education find state schools with above 30% pupil premium and help fund educational experiences that will help both the students and the teachers. One educational experience can change a child’s entire perspective and research shows that experiences outside of the classroom are the most likely to have a positive impact. This could range from getting more girls into STEM from an early age or introducing any child to a world of art that inspires them to delve deeper into the subject.

What motivated you to become a Trustee of this not-for-profit organisation?

I was the first person from my family to complete university. However, I still came from relative financial comfort. My father ran a textile shop, nothing fancy – but we were always OK. I want to help young people to aspire and attain their potential, even if they don’t have access to the same advantages that I did.

How does your experience as a General Counsel contribute to your effectiveness as a Trustee?

I share my legal experience and sense-check, which allows those running the day-to-day the freedom to run the charity effectively but with a permanently-available legal safety net.

Can you describe any specific skills or expertise you bring to the board as a result of your legal background?

Understanding legal risks – employment, health and safety, child-safety, corporate work, tax compliance. Basically, all the things that those running the day-to-day should be equipped to know, without needing to be experts.

Can you provide examples of how your involvement as a Trustee has positively impacted the organisation or its stakeholders?

We successfully achieved full registered charity status, having previously operated as a CIC.

In what ways do you see your role as a Trustee complementing your professional responsibilities as a General Counsel?

Reminds me to zoom out, and that the benefits of being a lawyer are wider than my own typical day-to-day role. The issues can be equally complex, diverse and unexpected. The great joy is that they help me laterally think and provide me with additional meaningful challenges.

How has being a Trustee helped your legal career?

I’m not even sure it has – but I know for sure it helps me think I’m doing something positive in the world. I love my job and think it’s beneficial in all kinds of ways. However, it’s hard to beat helping children and young people achieve and progress to expanded opportunities in life.

What do you perceive as the primary benefits of serving as a Trustee of a not-for-profit organisation from a personal and professional standpoint?

Allows me to expand the applicability of a skill set I’ve spent years building. I also have the benefit of working alongside phenomenal people working in a completely different sectors – often on their most important and strategic issues.

What advice would you give to other General Counsels considering becoming a Trustee of a not-for-profit organisation?

Leap into it. You don’t need a ton of experience, you just need enthusiasm to “own” a problem and help the organisation solve / achieve objectives. Find a charity that does something you’re passionate about, it shouldn’t feel like a burden but a privilege. Trustee roles come in all shapes and sizes – the first role doesn’t have to be the “perfect” role. But, if it gives you a taster or grounding in not-for-profit advisory work, it is often worth giving it a go! You can then retain that position or move on to something you’re more passionate about. Even if you leave an organisation, be conscious that you may be hard to replace so always try to help them find and vet an alternate.

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

If you would like to join our Trustee network, find out more here. 

We want to reiterate that this is not a paid service and forms part of our referral programme, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.