As a founding trustee of the cardfactory Foundation, Susan Glass has played an important role in shaping its direction from the very beginning. With over 19 years’ experience in retail across HR, learning and development, and regional management, she brings a strong people-focused perspective to the Foundation’s work alongside a genuine passion for supporting communities.
“I’ve always been passionate about creating environments where people feel supported and valued.”
I’ve spent most of my career leading teams and helping people grow in their roles. That’s always been the part of the job I’ve enjoyed most, seeing people develop and creating a culture where they feel confident and supported.
That interest in people is something I’ve continued to build on, and I’m currently studying towards an HR qualification to deepen my understanding further. For me, learning never really stops.
“Being a founding trustee was an opportunity to help shape something meaningful.”
When the Foundation was first established, it felt like a real privilege to be involved from the start. It was a chance to help shape what it could become and the difference it could make.
Becoming a trustee felt like a natural way to give something back, while using my experience in a different way to support a cause that helps people and communities.
Although it’s my first trustee role, it’s been a really valuable learning experience. It’s given me a new perspective and allowed me to contribute in a completely different capacity.
“You really see the impact when support reaches the people who need it most.”
One of the moments that really stands out for me was during the COVID-19 crisis, when I was involved in distributing grants. It brought home just how important that support can be and the difference it makes at a very real, human level.
That’s what I admire most about the Foundation, the genuine care behind everything it does. There’s always a clear focus on people and communities.
“It’s about balancing ambition with responsibility.”
Being a trustee has made me more aware of the level of responsibility involved. Decisions need to be thoughtful and considered, because they have a real impact.
It has also been quite eye-opening to see how many charities are doing vital work but rely heavily on fundraising alone to keep going.
One of the key challenges is finding the right balance, wanting to do more and make a bigger impact, while making sure decisions are responsible and sustainable. For me, that comes down to listening, asking questions, and always keeping the Foundation’s purpose at the centre.
“When people feel better, they’re able to do more – for themselves and for others.”
I bring a practical, people-focused perspective to the role, shaped by my experience of managing teams and operations. It’s about making sure decisions are grounded and realistic, while still staying true to the Foundation’s values.
Outside of the Foundation, I’m passionate about causes that support wellbeing, opportunity and stronger communities. Through the cardfactory partnership with Macmillan, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible support they provide to individuals and families living with cancer.
I also try to support local charities and food banks in my own time – it’s something that’s really important to me.
“For me, being a trustee is about giving back.”
At its core, being a trustee means being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about supporting something meaningful, using your experience to help others, and contributing to work that makes a genuine difference.
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