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Tom Willetts 

What do you do in your role as trustee at Become?

I’m one of 11 trustees who are ‘critical friends’ to Become. We offer support and provide constructive challenge to ensure the charity is run sustainably for children in care and young care leavers. We delegate the day-to-day operations to the Chief Executive and her team.  

Can you say a bit about your relevant experience and qualifications?

I spent the first year of my life in a foster home in south London before being adopted and growing up in Birmingham. My adoptive parents also fostered children, so I had more than 40 foster siblings over the years. I studied Russian and History at Oxford University and initially worked as a policy adviser, then as a journalist and now work in financial services. My partner and I have adopted two children of our own, and I have been a governor of two schools. 

What do you like about being a trustee at Become? 

I’m enjoying using my experiences to help young people in care reach their potential and lead fulfilling lives. 

What drives you?

Improving social mobility and education, and supporting the vulnerable. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Politics, reading, red wine and long walks in the countryside with my family.