Julie Screaton joined VASE’s Board of Trustees after stepping away from a senior NHS career spanning workforce, inclusion and large-scale health system transformation.
Having spent decades working across both frontline organisations and system leadership roles, she was looking for an opportunity to make a difference closer to home, “I wanted to do something that would benefit my local community,” she says.
The trustee role at VASE offers the chance to combine her strategic experience with her passion for community impact. Having worked within Integrated Care Systems and regional NHS leadership, Julie understands both the opportunities and challenges of influencing change across complex systems.
“The skills and conversations around influence, partnership-building and creating common purpose are absolutely critical,” she explains.
Julie believes VASE’s role has never been more important. While healthcare services often focus on treatment, she sees the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector as playing a vital role in prevention, wellbeing and reducing inequalities.
“The NHS touches people for a very small percentage of their lives. The organisations we work with have a much deeper impact and much greater contact and influence.”
From tackling social isolation and supporting mental health to helping people regain independence after illness, Julie believes local charities and community groups are often the organisations making the biggest difference in people’s day-to-day lives.
As VASE evolves into a strategic systems partner, Julie is excited by the opportunity to strengthen the sector’s voice and influence. She believes the current landscape of public sector reform, financial pressures and growing demand presents a unique opportunity for the VCSE sector to demonstrate its value, adding “It’s our time to really show how the voluntary sector is making a massive difference to society.”
Alongside her trustee role, Julie volunteers with Citizens Advice, giving her direct insight into the challenges people face. That experience reinforces her belief that strong infrastructure organisations like VASE are essential to supporting volunteers, charities and communities.
Since joining the Board, Julie has found VASE to be an organisation where she feels welcomed, valued and able to contribute. As she puts it, “I feel at home. It’s an organisation I really love being part of.”