Celebrating William Norton’s journey as a trustee

Behind the support we offer to older people and unpaid carers in Oxfordshire are trustees who volunteer their time, skills and energy to guide our work.

As one of our long-serving trustees, William Norton, steps down from the board of trustees at Action for Carers Oxfordshire, we’re taking a moment to recognise his dedication, expertise and care that has helped shape our work over many years.

William first became involved with what is now Age UK Oxfordshire in 2000. Then a practising accountant in Oxford, he was invited to meet the Chair and Treasurer of Age Concern Oxfordshire – a conversation that led to him joining as both trustee and treasurer. It was the beginning of more than two decades of dedicated voluntary service.

Coming from a commercial background, William brought vital financial expertise at a time of change and growth. He went on to serve as Chair, working alongside several Chief Executives and colleagues as the organisation’s profile and influence grew. He saw Age UK Oxfordshire develop from a local charity into one with strong local roots and significant wider respect.

“While the way Age UK Oxfordshire works has evolved over the years, the ethos remains the same – to look after, care for and represent older people in Oxfordshire. They do that brilliantly.”

William’s main focus as a trustee was on finance – from the pension scheme to navigating periods of funding pressure for the charity sector. Thanks to the diligence of finance teams and trustees over the years, the charity has remained financially strong and able to keep delivering vital support to older people.

After stepping down from Age UK Oxfordshire around ten years ago, William quickly returned to the sector in a new role, joining the board of sister-organisation, Action for Carers Oxfordshire.

Drawing on his experience of caring for his elderly mother, he brought personal insight into the realities of unpaid caring and the challenges carers face when trying to access the support they need.

“It helped me appreciate the challenges of working with statutory bodies – not because they don’t care, but because they often don’t have the resources,” he said. “The need for support has always been there, and it continues.”

Throughout his time as a trustee, William has been clear that people are at the heart of both organisations – the staff, volunteers and fellow trustees whose commitment and compassion make the work possible:

“I’m enormously proud of being associated with Age UK Oxfordshire and Action for Carers Oxfordshire. The buzz you get from working with people who just want to help others, not for any reason other than they care passionately, is wonderful.”

He is also keen to encourage others to step forward as trustees: “Grab it with both hands – but don’t think you’re going to get out lightly in 12 months or two years’ time. It’s been a fantastic experience for me.”

As William prepares to step back from his trustee role at Action for Carers Oxfordshire, he plans to spend more time travelling and with his young grandchildren. While he will miss the close connection with our work, we know he will remain a strong friend and supporter.

Chair of Trustees, Andrew Lane said: “Everyone at Age UK Oxfordshire and Action for Carers Oxfordshire would like to thank William for his dedicated years of service, steady guidance and unwavering commitment. His contribution has made – and will continue to make – a real difference to older people and unpaid carers in Oxfordshire.”