After a period of dedicated service, Alison Dunn will be stepping down as Chair of Trustees at VONNE’s AGM this November. As we begin the search for our next Chair, we spoke to Alison about her experience in the role, what it involves, and why now is such an exciting time to step forward.
Reflecting on her time as Chair, Alison is clear about the value of the role – both personally and for the wider VCSE sector.
“It’s been an incredible opportunity, firstly to learn about the broader issues that are happening across the sector but secondly to work with what is a fantastic team.
"The people at VONNE are absolutely committed to the development, promotion and enhancement of the voluntary sector in terms of policy, brokering good conversations, sharing good practice and making great connections so that as much opportunity as possible can come to the North East of England.”
For Alison, alignment with VONNE’s values has been central. Her existing involvement in the North East Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector has played a key role in helping her lead the VONNE board, as have her relationships with organisations like the North East Combined Authority, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and national bodies promoting policy and support.
“There’s been an alignment with my own personal values and those of VONNE. You have to understand the voluntary sector, the values they hold and the values VONNE holds – and there does need to be a personal alignment with your aspirations for the region.”
“The Chair’s role is ultimately about leadership and governance. It’s about ensuring that VONNE continues to operate effectively, strategically and in the best interests of the sector we serve.
“Ultimately, the Chair is there to ensure the good governance of the organisation. To make sure that papers are considered and presented properly. The current VONNE board is strong, with unique and great insight into the sector and the challenges it faces. It’s a board that is fairly new in terms of its membership but strong in terms of knowledge and skills, ability, aptitude and its vision for the organisation.”
Alison is also keen to highlight the context in which the next Chair will step into the role. With a new Chief Executive and an evolving strategic direction, this is a moment of real opportunity.
“You will come to VONNE following a period of significant change. We have a new Chief Executive and are in a period of transformation as Martin starts to enable his vision for the organisation, which is exciting and an opportunity to shape VONNE and its support for the region.”
In terms of time commitment, the role is meaningful but manageable. There are quarterly hybrid board meetings, sub-committee commitments during the day, and opportunities to attend events throughout the year, including VONNE’s Annual Conference in November.
Alison notes that existing connections across the VCSE and public sectors can help integrate the role into your wider professional life – but for those newer to the landscape, building those relationships and a good understanding of the Combined Authorities, public health bodies, national and local policy makers and support organisations is a necessary and valuable part of the journey.
“Alongside a full-time working role, this voluntary role has been manageable. If you’re not involved in key networks and conversations then the time commitment might be greater as you will need to invest time to find those relationships, understand the landscapes in which those organisations operate and discover what that means for VONNE.”
As she prepares to hand over the baton, Alison is both reflective and optimistic:
“Huge thank you to VONNE for the opportunity the role has given. It’s time for the next Chair and I look forward to reading applications and seeing who can take VONNE to new heights. If you’re making an application, good luck with it and I hope to meet you soon.”
If you are passionate about the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in the North East, and ready to help shape the future of regional collaboration and influence, we would love to hear from you.
The deadline for applications is Friday 8th May 2026. To find out more about the role of Chair of Trustees and how to apply, please visit our jobs page here.