Meet our Trustees: Caroline Gosling

Why did you choose to volunteer for Blue Cross?

The ability of animals to bring joy, comfort, companionship and assistance to people never ceases to amaze me. I love the focus of Blue Cross on changing the lives of pets so they can they change the lives of the humans they live alongside. Blue Cross has an incredible legacy and history – but the team are not at all complacent. I had a strong sense this was a progressive organisation with the ambition to keep evolving so they can help more pets and people. Finally, the passion and dedication of the people I’ve met so far who work for Blue Cross is beyond words and I was keen to support them in any way I could.

What are your duties in your role as a Blue Cross Trustee?

I am a member of the Fisco and Comco committees and contribute to discussions and decisions at those meetings, as well as the wider Board meetings. I see my role as being one of support and challenge – to do everything I can to help the charity achieve its aims within an appropriate governance framework - while also bringing in suggestions and ideas from outside Blue Cross through my previous experience and my ‘day job’ with other organisations. 

What is your professional background?

I have a background in PR and corporate affairs, primarily in the field of (human) healthcare. This has encompassed government affairs, policy development, marketing and internal communications. Latterly I’ve focussed on organisational culture and now support companies to design and build the culture they want and need in order to perform well and sustainably.

For how long have you been a Trustee?

I was appointed as a Trustee in December 2018.

What do you enjoy most about being a Blue Cross Trustee?

The people I have met through volunteering are both inspiring and great company – so I enjoy the Board and committee meetings very much. But the best part is hearing the stories of the animals (and their humans!) that have been helped by the exceptional Blue Cross team. Every one of those stories is a life changed and I feel so lucky to be a tiny, tiny part of making that happen.

Tell us about your own pets!

Dogs have always been an important part of my life. My husband, our two boys and I share our home with an extremely patient golden retriever called Ozzy.  He is 12 years old and is absolutely the centre of our family life. We also have three goldfish, creatively (!) named Mr Orange, Mr Black and Mr Spotty. We aspire to give a home to more dogs, along with some donkeys and ducks when we fulfil our dream of moving to Shropshire in the future.