Trustees’ Week: why I’m a trustee at Greener Kirkcaldy

In this special guest blog to celebrate Trustees’ Week 2026, we hear from Matt Lawson who is a volunteer, Trustee and Chair of Greener Kirkcaldy.

For me, being a trustee of Greener Kirkcaldy is about people: people bringing their skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm together to make a positive difference for communities in Kirkcaldy and across Fife.

I joined the Board as a volunteer in 2024 and have been Chair since 2025. My experience has been hugely positive. What motivates me is the opportunity to support a community-led charity and development trust making a greener, fairer future, practical and relevant to everyday life.

Whether helping households save energy, making cycling more accessible or bringing people together through food, Greener Kirkcaldy connects environmental action with the things that matter to our communities. Behind that work are committed staff, volunteers, members and partners. Their resilience, care and proactive approach make being a trustee rewarding.

Supporting the work behind the scenes

Our Board is made up of a fantastic set of volunteers, bringing together a huge diversity of skills and experience. We help guide the organisation’s direction, oversee its finances and governance, and ensure risks are managed responsibly. Our role is to support Greener Kirkcaldy to deliver its purpose, acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

That can sound formal, but the discussions are practical. In our most recent Board meeting our discussions explored risk management, community renewable energy and the regeneration of Kirkcaldy’s high street and waterfront. We are also playing a key role in developing our new Strategic Plan.

Individually as trustees and collectively as a Board, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to ensure Greener Kirkcaldy continues to make a positive difference in our communities. That means honouring and building on the legacy of everyone who has helped shape the organisation, so their contribution continues to inspire and enable its future impact.

As Chair, I help the Board work effectively and support our fantastic Chief Executive, Lauren, and the brilliant wider staff team. Most recently I facilitated a workshop with the Senior Leadership Team to help them to develop actions around Greener Kirkcaldy’s business resilience. Alongside my fellow trustees, I also regularly represent Greener Kirkcaldy at external events, meeting key stakeholders like funders and politicians.

But trusteeship goes beyond meetings: Board members volunteer on projects, support recruitment and join fundraising activities. Within my first six months of being a trustee I was walking on hot coals for a fundraising Charity Fire Walk! And next year, I will be raising money for Greener Kirkcaldy by running the Edinburgh Marathon.

Purpose, people and fun

Our recent fundraising Winter Ball captured something special about Greener Kirkcaldy. Beyond the superb venue and ambience, it was the warmth of the welcome and the feeling of being part of something together that stood out.

It was Greener Kirkcaldy in action: ambitious, professional and purpose-led, with a generous helping of fun. The evening brought together people who care deeply about our communities, celebrating what we can achieve when we all play our part.

That shared sense of purpose and belonging is why I’m a trustee. The responsibilities matter, but it is the people, and the collective commitment to making a difference, who make the role so rewarding.

During Trustees’ Week, I want to thank my fellow trustees, and everyone whose commitment makes this work possible. Together, we can support a just and fair transition to a sustainable future.

I’m also keen to keep strengthening connections between the Board, staff and volunteers. If you have questions about trusteeship or what the Board does, please reach out to me.

Written by Matt Lawson, Volunteer, Trustee and Chair of Greener Kirkcaldy

Last updated: 9th November 2026