Rachael Wardell 

What do you do in your role as trustee at Become? As a Trustee I have a shared responsibility to make sure that Become is doing what it is set up to do; supporting young people in care and care leavers, and advocating to change the care system for the better. I am also a public champion for Become and for our work.

Can you say a bit about your relevant experience and qualifications? I have been a Director of Children’s Services for over six years, so I know a lot about the current care system and of course I know some children in care and care experienced young adults personally. I have also been a director and / or trustee of two other organisations before I joined the Board of Become, so I bring that experience with me.

What do you like about being a trustee at Become? I like being able to support a charity that accords with my values and with my best hopes for the future of the care system and the young people who experience it.

What drives you? The chance to help make things better. That’s what drives me in my ‘day job’ and in the voluntary roles I hold as well.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I have four children aged between 12 and 20, so they take up a fair bit of my time, but I also get out to gigs and the theatre, and I squeeze in yoga, swimming or cycling whenever I can.