Trustee Profile - Bartholomew Preston

We interviewed one of our most recently appointed trustees, Bart Preston, about what attracted him to ScotsCare, and his experiences as trustee with us.

Why did you want to become a Trustee? And how long have you been a Trustee at ScotsCare?

I joined the Board just over a year ago. I wanted to become a Trustee because I felt strongly about supporting a charity rooted in the Scottish community in London. I have lived in London for several years yet being Scottish is an important, and even ever-growing part of my identity.

ScotsCare appealed to me because it combines practical support with a genuine sense of human dignity and I wanted to use whatever skills might be helpful to that mission in a meaningful way.

What attracted you to ScotsCare?

Two things: history and impact. ScotsCare is the oldest Scottish charity in London, but it has never allowed its history to become nostalgia. It has now evolved to meet the needs of people experiencing very modern forms of hardship such as loneliness, insecure housing, the complexities of the welfare system, navigating fractured family situations and many others. The work is quietly transformative and that combination of heritage and contemporary relevance was very compelling.

How have you been able to use your relevant skill base in your Trustee role? Have you learnt new skills?

As a family and divorce solicitor and former child protection social worker, I am used to working with complex personal circumstances, safeguarding considerations, and in multi–agency contexts. That has translated directly into sub-committee and Committee of Management work, and decision-making around grants, welfare support, and organisational risk.

At the same time, being a Trustee requires shifting perspective from the individual case to the organisational system: thinking strategically, long-term, and collectively. I have learned a great deal about governance, financial stewardship, and how a values-based charity sets priorities.

What has surprised you most about the charity’s work since taking up your role?

The breadth. From emergency grants to psychotherapy, from family support workers to community events the range is remarkable. And the depth of care behind each intervention impresses me. It is not transactional but is relational, patient, and respectful. I think that is rarer than one might think in the charity sector.

How have you found balancing Trustee work with your day job?

It requires some planning, but it has never felt burdensome. If anything it has been grounding. Legal work can be very consuming and often adversarial. ScotsCare reminds me why care, community, and human connection matter. I find that balancing, rather than additional.

What would you say to other prospective Trustees about being a Trustee at ScotsCare?

If you are looking for a Board role where you can both contribute meaningfully and learn, ScotsCare is perfect. It is a collegiate Board deeply committed to the mission but without ego. You will be supported and you will also be expected to contribute which is exactly how it should be.

What have you found most satisfying about being a Trustee to date?

Seeing how small interventions, made at the right moment, can materially change someone’s trajectory. Whether it’s preventing homelessness, supporting a parent in crisis, or simply ensuring someone feels seen rather than forgotten, that is deeply satisfying.

Why do you think the role of a Trustee is important?

Trustees hold the long view. They ensure that the organisation remains true to its purpose, financially resilient, ethically sound, and strategically clear. The staff do the day-to-day work brilliantly. I think that it is the role of the Trustees to safeguard the conditions in which that work can continue and flourish.

Is there a particular moment at ScotsCare that stands out to you?

One case discussion during the Welfare Sub-Committee where a relatively modest intervention prevented a situation from becoming a crisis. It struck me how close many people are to the margins and how decisive timely support can be. It encapsulated what ScotsCare does so well: thoughtful, human, carefully targeted help.

Meet the rest of our Trustees here.