“I have met so many inspiring individuals who have volunteered for RNIB”
Sir Martin Davidson, who has been a devoted RNIB trustee since 2019
From November 3 to 7, we will be celebrating Trustee Week: a special time to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible efforts and contributions of trustees. These dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in leading and governing charities, working together as a team to make impactful decisions. Among these remarkable individuals is Sir Martin Davidson, who has been a devoted RNIB trustee since 2019. Over his six years with RNIB, he has provided wise, balanced and steady leadership, always keeping us focused on what matters most, and improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people. On behalf of the whole Board, the Executive team and everyone at RNIB, we want to thank Sir Martin for his service, guidance his commitment. To celebrate his commitment to his Vice Chair role, we wanted to learn about Sir Martin’s experiences with RNIB and what inspiring impact he’s observed from RNIB volunteers.
What inspired you to become a trustee for RNB, and what keeps you motivated in your role?
I first became involved with disability charities as a result of my son becoming profoundly deaf at the age of 19. I was keen not to just focus on deaf issues, and my first role was as trustee, and then Vice Chair, of Leonard Cheshire, a pan disability charity. There I learnt so much about disability, the importance of being genuinely led by those with disabilities and the challenges faced by disability charities.
I was invited to apply to RNIB at the height of our statutory enquiry by the Charity Commission and I felt all that I had learnt about charity governance and working with people with disability issues could help make a difference to RNIB at a point of great strain on our whole organisation. I have so enjoyed working with fantastic colleagues at RNIB and the chance to make a difference which keeps me motivated.
Can you share a moment or achievement during your time as a trustee that made you feel especially proud?
There are a couple of occasions which stand out for me. One was attending my first See Differently Awards. I was blown away by the extraordinary people I met there, from those with visual impairments who not just refused to allow their lives to be constrained by their condition but who were determined to support others with similar conditions, to those incredibly hard-working teams who were determined to ensure that their organisations were truly inclusive to others with disabilities. There have been so many other opportunities to see the incredible difference we can make which make me proud to be part of RNIB.
What do you think volunteers should know about the role of trustees and how the Board of Trustees support RNIB’s purpose?
Our job as trustees is to make sure the RNIB stays true to its core mission, manages its resources properly, acts to the best of our ability in the interests of blind and partially sighted people and to safeguard the long-term future and sustainability of our charity. I have always been so impressed by the dedication of my fellow trustees and the seriousness with which we work with the senior team at RNIB to keep our charity, our people and our mission safe. I hope volunteers believe that they work in a charity committed to our purpose, well-run with serious intent, and also with the freedom to find joy in what we do.
Outside of your trustee role, what are some of your interests or hobbies that help you recharge?
I am hugely lucky to have a close and loving family. I feel immense pride in how my son has managed his deafness, has a job which he loves and has his own family. Family really matters to me.
I also love being active and I rediscovered my love of flying by training to be a glider pilot about 10 years ago. On any day which is flyable you will find me on anything from a 100km to 500km cross country flight in an unpowered aeroplane.
What impact have you observed volunteers make at RNIB? Have there been any volunteer roles or examples that have stood out for you?
I have met so many inspiring individuals who have volunteered for RNIB whether working in the café in Edinburgh or supporting Understanding Sight Loss sessions or providing the vital practical, technical as well as emotional support to those losing their sight. Every volunteer is a huge bonus for RNIB and our work but especially those with their own personal sight loss story able to support those with new diagnosis of sight loss.
Thank you, Sir Martin, for the time and guidance you have gifted to RNIB. We would also like to wish a happy Trustees Week to all of our RNIB trustees!
If you would like to learn more about our trustees and how we are governed, you can read more on our website: How we are governed.