As we celebrate Trustees’ Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated volunteers who help guide and strengthen Magna Vitae.
Trustees’ Week is an annual celebration of the people who give their time, expertise and energy to support charities and trusts across the UK — and it’s the perfect opportunity to recognise the vital role our Board of Trustees plays in shaping our organisation’s success.
At Magna Vitae, our work in leisure and culture is powered not only by our incredible teams but also by the dedicated volunteers who guide and support our organisation from behind the scenes — our Board of Trustees.
The Board plays a crucial role in helping keep the Trust informed, agile and forward-looking. Their expertise and experience ensure we remain true to our values, ambitious in our strategy and deeply connected to the communities we serve. Each Trustee gives their time voluntarily, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to making a difference in people’s lives through leisure and culture.
This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our Chairman, Peter Helps, MBE, whose extraordinary career and leadership continue to inspire us all.
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your professional background?
“Initially I trained in hotel management at the UK’s oldest hotel school and then worked in 4 and 5 star hotels in Switzerland, Canada and the UK. After running away ‘to join the circus’ I managed theatres in London and Glasgow for ten years.
In 1995 I was appointed as Chief Executive of East Midlands’ based Sinfonia Viva; an orchestra and creative music charity providing orchestral, educational and performance opportunities and projects in, with and for local communities. This was a one-year contract, but somehow I ended up being there for 26 years, retiring in 2021!”
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to arts, music and education, Peter Helps was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
“I have held numerous Board positions including at the Association of British Orchestras, Cultivate (an audience and organisation development company), Family Friendly Arts Campaign and Sinfonia Viva Events Ltd. (an events and production company) as well as Chairing the Leicestershire Music Hub Executive for six years. Whilst at Sinfonia Viva I was a member of Derby’s Strategic Culture Group. I have been on the Board of Magna Vitae since 2018 and have been Chairman since 2021.”
Peter’s wealth of experience across arts, education, and organisational development brings invaluable perspective to Magna Vitae’s mission of helping people live great lives.
Why are board meetings important, and how do they help shape and support Magna Vitae as a Leisure & Culture Trust?
“The legal reason is that the Trust requires a Board to monitor its performance, governance, finances and similar things. Whilst all that is important and places legal responsibilities on Trustees, I feel that all of us hope we are contributing more broadly. I am lucky that the Board is made up so many truly talented people (all of whom offer their time on a voluntary basis) with a wide range of experience and set of skills. All of this helps us support the senior leadership team with advice drawn on our own work experience, be a sounding board for ideas and development opportunities and encourage open discussion around issues of the day.”
“Board meetings are also a wonderful opportunity for Trustees to hear first-hand from colleagues across the organisation on the work they do and initiatives on which they lead. These presentations are hugely appreciated and welcomed by the Board and help us all remain rooted in why we do what we do.”
What makes you most proud to be Chairman of Magna Vitae?
“Gosh, where to start? Maybe what makes the Trust so special. So many things: the duality of what we do covering both Leisure and Culture, the ethos of always putting our communities front and centre of our strategy and delivery, the commitment of all my colleagues across the whole of the organisation, the sense of ambition in the leadership team, the fact that the Trust’s reputation reaches locally, nationally and internationally – really punching above its weight.”
“As Chairman I hope I can help the team continue this work and guide its development. What we do and how we do it is original and ambitious. Organisations often say they are only as good as the people working for it. However, I feel they talk the talk, but not necessarily walk the walk. I hope here at MV all my colleagues feel valued for who they are and what they contribute to our success.”
As Trustees’ Week comes to a close, we want to extend our sincere thanks to all of our Board members.
Their expertise, insight and voluntary commitment are the foundation that helps Magna Vitae thrive — ensuring we remain innovative, community-focused, and ambitious in everything we do. Through their guidance, support and dedication, our Trustees help us deliver exceptional leisure and cultural experiences and we are proud to recognise the vital role they play in shaping our organisation’s present and future.
