A cricket enthusiast, an Arsenal season ticket holder, and father to two girls: meet VASE trustee Joel Hartfield, who brings a wealth of partnership, fundraising and communications experience to the sector and to the VASE Board.
His early career started at a day centre for rough sleepers in South London, before moving on to a national graduate development programme for local government. Since then, Joel has worked across a range of public and third sector settings, saying that he felt “the pull back towards the voluntary sector,” which brought him to his current role as the Director of Business Development at Active Prospects, an award-winning community-focused charitable care provider based in East Surrey, supporting people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and those with mental health and physical health needs.
Describing himself as a “partnership enthusiast”, his passion lies in bringing people together to achieve better outcomes for communities. Joel says, “It’s really about what’s the best impact for the community we’re serving and how we can work together.”
However, collaboration is easier said than done, recognising that it can be challenging, especially under the strains facing organisations. Joel believes the strongest results become possible when organisations move beyond individual interests and focus on shared purpose, adding that periods of change create opportunities for innovation and new ways of working, a space that he sees VASE playing an important role in, by helping the sector navigate this evolving landscape.
The scale of change facing local government and the voluntary sector, he explains, “there’s so much uncertainty, but potentially lots of opportunities as well.” Reflecting on his decision to become a trustee at VASE, he says, “I like the idea of doing good and giving back and using what experience and knowledge I’ve got to make a positive difference.”
Bringing his experience to East Surrey’s voluntary sector strategically became a motivator for Joel: “supporting the voluntary sector attracted me.” He believes VASE’s focus on the wider view across the sector strengthens and encourages sustainable approaches to funding, commissioning and service delivery, gives hope to the sector and helps it to be well placed to meet future challenges.
For Joel, attracting diverse perspectives creates a valuable impact during this transition and shared that creating environments where people feel comfortable, valued and able to contribute will help boards better reflect and serve the communities they support. He also believes trusteeship can feel more accessible than many people imagine. Speaking of his own experience joining VASE, he appreciated the informal and welcoming approach, noting the importance of demonstrating a “friendly, welcoming organisation.”