Beth Taswell 

What do you do in your role as trustee at Become?  As a member of the board of Trustees, I support Become to ensure that they are achieving their purpose in supporting care experienced young people. As well as contributing collectively at board level, I also offer specialised advice to the team in relation to my areas of expertise. 

Can you say a bit about your relevant experience and qualifications?  My background is in Higher Education, specifically supporting students at university who study without family support. Since 2016 I have been working directly with care experienced students at university, supporting them from the point of application, through to graduation. I am the London Regional representative for the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) and work with practitioners both regionally and nationally. I’m also care experienced myself and I am passionate about the using the opportunities that I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to in order to shape and instigate positive change for young people in and leaving care. 

What do you like about being a trustee at Become? I always come away from board meetings feeling really invigorated. In my day job I see students facing (what feels like) endless challenges and barriers, so it can be easy to lose perspective – for such a small organisation, Become delivers some incredible work and meetings remind me that not everything is terrible! It’s great to work with an organisation that puts young people at the heart of everything they do and is so passionate about transforming young people’s lives. 

What drives you? Social justice, compassion, integrity, and challenge! 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I spend the majority of my free time reading, but move occasionally for climbing, yoga, and rushing around the kitchen as I half follow recipes!