With more than 30 years’ experience in HR, Jo Thorburn brings a wealth of strategic and operational people expertise to her role as an independent trustee of the cardfactory Foundation. Having previously worked at cardfactory, Jo has a unique perspective on the Foundation and its journey, alongside a strong personal commitment to giving back.
“I really wanted to have an opportunity to be part of a team to make an impact and to give something back.”
I’m originally from Newcastle but have lived in Nottingham for more than 25 years. I have two children and, outside of work and the Foundation, I love keeping active, whether that’s running, playing padel or paddle boarding. I also love to travel and cook, and can spend hours looking through and trying new recipes.
I’ve worked in HR for more than three decades across retail, hospitality and financial services, in both strategic and operational roles. I worked at cardfactory from 2022 to 2026 and moved from being a trustee who was also an employee to becoming an external trustee.
“I wondered if I could use some of my skills and experience to help the Foundation progress.”
I’ve worked most of my career in HR roles, so when the opportunity to become a truste arose, I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about how the Foundation works and, importantly, to give something back.
This was my first experience of being a trustee, and it has been incredible to contribute to the strategy and vision and then see our work come to fruition and have such a huge impact. Of course, that has been guided by the rest of the Board and the Foundation team, who bring such a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
“We’ve been on a real journey to define a clear strategy and approach that has both depth and breadth.”
What I admire most about the Foundation is the journey we’ve been on over the last couple of years. We’ve had such a significant impact in so many different ways.
It’s been really rewarding to see that strategy develop and then see the difference it can make to people and communities.
“To be able to start with a blank piece of paper and then bring this to life has been amazing.”
I think the relationship with Centrepoint has been absolutely incredible and has positively influenced the lives of so many young people.
Seeing how the partnership has developed and the impact it has had has been one of the most rewarding parts of being a trustee.
I’m quite a big picture thinker and enjoy thinking holistically about building something sustainable with longevity. I enjoy looking at how everything fits together and thinking about what we can do to create lasting impact, rather than simply focusing on what can be achieved in the short term.
“It’s important to remember which hat you’re wearing.”
I don’t know whether it was a surprise, but one of the things I really had to remember while I was still employed by cardfactory was to separate my role as a trustee from my role as an employee and to wear those different hats.
I think trustees also need to have a real sense of objectivity. I remember when we defined our funds how tricky that could be, because everyone has their own personal experiences and there are so many deserving charities out there.
Being part of a team of trustees with such broad experience, alongside the amazing Foundation team who bring real expertise, has helped us navigate those challenges and make decisions together.
“There are two charities that are very close to my heart for very personal reasons.”
One is cancer research. My husband died of bowel cancer in 2020, and since then my family and I have raised funds by running and walking.
The second is Mind. Sadly, I lost a friend of 40 years last year who had been very poorly from a mental health perspective. In September, I’ll be running the Great North Run for her and for Mind.
Both causes are very personal to me, and they’ve given me an even greater appreciation of the difference that charities can make to people and their families.
“I’ve been very lucky to have a good career, a family and a life of safety and security.”
I really wanted to have an opportunity to be in an environment where I could be part of a team to make an impact and to give something back.
For me, being a trustee is about bringing my experience and perspective to something that has a real purpose. It’s about working with a great team, making thoughtful decisions and ultimately seeing the impact of what we do.
Meet more of our trustees:
