Our Patrons and Trustees
Our Patrons and Trustees - Standing for Equality and Justice
The Traveller Movement is led by a skilled board of trustees with expertise spanning law, education, public policy, finance and community development. Our trustees provide rigorous governance, ensuring every pound we raise delivers maximum impact for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller communities.
Complementing our board, our patrons lend their public standing and professional networks to amplify our advocacy, from parliamentary lobbying to national media coverage. Together, they ensure we remain a credible, accountable and effective voice for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller equality at the highest levels of government and across UK society.
Why Strong Governance Matters to Our Mission
Our patrons and trustees are active partners in delivering measurable change. Their contributions directly strengthen our capacity to secure funding, influence decision-makers, and uphold the highest standards of charity governance.
- Raise Public Awareness
Our patrons bring national visibility to the systemic barriers facing Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller communities, from media coverage to parliamentary debates, ensuring our campaigns reach policymakers, funders and the wider public. - Shape Policy & Law
With expertise in human rights law, education policy and local government, our trustees guide our evidence-based advocacy. Their oversight ensures our policy recommendations are legally robust and aligned with the communities we serve. - Strengthen Accountability & Impact
Our board’s rigorous governance ensures transparent financial management, ethical programme delivery and measurable outcomes, giving our funders confidence that their investment creates lasting change. - Celebrate Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller Heritage
By promoting the rich cultural contributions of Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller people to British society, our patrons help counter decades of negative stereotyping, opening doors to partnership, inclusion and new funding streams.
Common Questions About Our Governance and Patrons
Q1: What do patrons do at The Traveller Movement?
Our patrons act as public ambassadors for our mission, using their professional standing and networks to amplify our campaigns, introduce partnership opportunities, and demonstrate to funders, policymakers and the media that The Traveller Movement is a credible, high-impact organisation. They do not govern the charity, that role belongs to our board of trustees.
Q2: What is the role of your trustees?
Our trustees are legally responsible for the governance of The Traveller Movement. They set our strategic direction, approve budgets, oversee financial management, ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations, and hold our senior leadership team accountable for delivering our mission.
Q3: How are trustees appointed?
Trustees are recruited through an open, skills-based process. We seek individuals with expertise in areas critical to our work, including law, finance, education, public policy and Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller representation. All trustees undergo induction, ongoing training in charity governance, and annual performance review.
Q4: What governance standards does The Traveller Movement follow?
We operate in full compliance with Charity Commission requirements and adhere to the Charity Governance Code. Our accounts are independently audited annually and published on the Charity Commission website. We maintain a conflicts-of-interest policy and ensure full transparency in all trustee decision-making.
Q5: How does your board ensure value for funders?
Our trustees bring significant grant management and programme delivery experience. They review impact data quarterly, scrutinise programme budgets, and ensure every funding pound is directed toward frontline advocacy and community support. Our most recent annual report details our income, expenditure and outcomes. [Link to annual report]
Q6: How can I contact a trustee about a funding or partnership enquiry?
For governance and funding enquiries, please contact our Chair of Trustees via info@travellermovement.org.uk, marking your email “Trustee Enquiry.” For partnership discussions, our Chief Executive and fundraising team will respond directly.
Our Mission and your support
The Traveller Movement is a leading national charity that bridges the gap between the Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish/Scottish/Welsh Traveller communities and mainstream society.
While our patrons provide a platform, our team‘s work is only possible through the support of people like you.
How you can get involved: