Rory says he saw the role at Hull4Heroes as an opportunity to use his experience to help a cause closely connected to his own background
Rory Clarke, chair of trustees at the veterans’ charity Hull4Heroes(Image: wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk)
After decades leading one of the region’s best-known businesses, Rory Clarke found a new way to make a difference – as chair of trustees at the veterans’ charity Hull4Heroes. In 2024, Rory stepped back from his full-time role as managing director at JR Rix & Sons, becoming a non-executive director of the family-owned firm.
Soon after, he was approached by Paul Matson, CEO of Hull4Heroes, who asked him to join the charity as a trustee. “Paul had asked me some time ago, when he found out I was a veteran myself, if I would join as a trustee,” says Rory.
“At the time, I didn’t feel I had the time to get involved. Then, as soon as Paul saw I was stepping back from my full-time role, he was straight on the phone, saying it would be a good time to have another conversation.”
Rory is one of about a million trustees playing a vital role behind the scenes at charities across the UK. Trustees help keep organisations running, guiding key decisions and ensuring support reaches the people who need it most.
Now chair of the charity, Rory is an example of a trustee bringing years of leadership experience into the sector. A former Army infantry officer, Rory says he saw the role at Hull4Heroes as an opportunity to use his experience to help a cause closely connected to his own background.
“I joined a group of incredibly enthusiastic trustees and a CEO who understand the military and veterans’ needs and are fantastic at delivering support,” he says. “I’ve brought a slightly different perspective – more experience in leading organisations. So I’m looking at things like strategy, structure and how we make the best use of resources.”
Hull4Heroes provides support for veterans and their families across the region, many of whom face complex challenges, including housing, employment and mental health. “The military provides structure, and when people leave, that structure disappears,” says Rory.
“One of the key things we provide is a single point of contact – somewhere people can come in and say, ‘I need help’, and get the right support.” As chair of the charity, Rory says he tries to create an environment that’s welcoming and open, but still structured.
“A big part of the role is getting the best out of people,” he says. “Everyone should feel able to contribute. If one person becomes too dominant, that can become unhealthy.”
Rory – who was recently awarded an honorary degree from the University of Hull for his “visionary leadership and commitment to regional business growth” – says one of the most important aspects of the role of chair is getting the right balance between support and challenge.
“You don’t want a rubber-stamping process where people just turn up and say yes to everything. I quite like a good debate – that’s how you get better results.” On Thursday (June 4), as part of Volunteers’ Week and Humber Business Week, Rory will be sharing his experience at a Charities’ Question Time Live event, hosted by law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits, which works with charities across the region.
The event will bring together charity leaders and others working in or alongside the charity sector to discuss the realities of running these vital organisations, including what is involved in being a trustee. Rory will be joined on the panel by charity leaders from across the region.
Gerry Morrison, a partner and head of charities at Wilkin Chapman Rollits’, will chair the panel alongside her colleague Harriet Wheeldon. Gerry says having a diverse mix of trustees plays an important role in helping charities evolve.
“Trustees bring different strengths, whether that’s professional expertise, lived experience or fresh perspectives,” she says. “That combination is what helps charities grow, adapt and continue delivering vital services.”
Rory agrees that in a sector where needs are constantly changing, adaptability is key. “The world changes quickly – technology, communication, expectations.
“If an organisation becomes fixed in its approach, a gap opens up between what it is and what it could be. Over time, that can make it irrelevant. So it’s about being open to change, constantly improving and asking how you can better meet the needs of the people you serve.”
So what advice would he give to people thinking about trusteeship? “Some people believe in the cause; others think it might be good for their CV, which isn’t necessarily the right reason.
“It needs to work both ways – what they can contribute to the charity, and what they can gain in terms of experience.” Charities’ Question Time Live is a free event taking place at Aura Innovation Centre on Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, on Thursday, June 4. To book a ticket, visit wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk/events
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