Trustees’ Week Q&A: Carlos Husbands
About Carlos
Carlos is the Director at Becauze, a Community Interest Company that brings people together through community events, tackling issues such as environmental problems and changing mindsets. He is passionate about addressing social issues that hamper young people achieving their potential. Carlos grew up and attended school in West London and now works for the civil service in a youth engagement and diversion department in the area, helping to shape the models used to engage with young people. Together, every child and young person can flourish in their school and community.
In one or two lines, how do you introduce yourself and what you care about?
Carlos: My name is Carlos and I am passionate about improving social issues.
What first sparked your interest in youth voice and community action?
Carlos: There have been times in my life that I have received help along the way.
A moment from growing up in West London that still shapes how you see young people today?
Carlos: A lot of the social housing is the same as when I was growing up in West London, slotted in around beautiful expensive homes.
Why trusteeship?
Why did you become a trustee with AllChild?
I became a trustee with AllChild because if AllChild had been created when I was at school I would have been one of the young people that needed their help
Why a children’s charity?
Carlos: Throughout my career I have always been interested in dealing with social issues and finding long-term solutions for children and families.
What does good trusteeship look like to you - beyond meetings and minutes?
Carlos: Beyond the meetings and the minutes trusteeship is about making yourself available if your skills can help the charity.
What myths about being a trustee would you like to bust for first-timers?
Carlos: That a person growing up in social housing has a great amount to offer, with their lived experience. This has now changed
Civil service role: youth engagement & diversion
In your day job, what models or approaches are proving most effective for engaging young people?
Carlos: Consistency, listening and the engagement will come from there.
Connection to AllChild
Where do you see AllChild adding unique value in the current landscape?
Carlos: Working within the Civil Service i believe that the work that All Child link workers do is changing the direction of young people potentially going into the criminal justice system.
What’s one thing we do that you wish more people knew about?
Carlos: I wish more people knew how many people are working in the background to improve their lives
Looking ahead
A call to action for potential trustees/volunteers reading this - what’s step one?
Carlos: We all have something to offer.
Quick fire
West London in one word? Diverse
Favourite place for a grounding walk/think? Richmond Park
Huge thanks to Carlos for sharing his perspective during Trustees’ Week - and for everything he brings to AllChild as a trustee.
If you’re curious about trusteeship or volunteering with AllChild, we’d love to hear from you. We ACT (Ambition, Connection, Trust) alongside families, schools, councils and community organisations so that more children can thrive.
Get involved: Find out more about our trustees and how to support AllChild at info@allchild.org
