Warrington solicitor urges business leaders to take up voluntary roles

A partner at a leading Warrington law firm is urging business leaders to lend their expertise to organisations on a voluntary basis.

Danny Hudson, family law solicitor at Watsons Solicitors, is in his second term as vice chair of the board of governors at Priestley College in Warrington.

His call comes as volunteering grows in popularity amongst the business community, with a 2017 Deloitte survey finding that 70 per cent of employees believe it boosts morale.

Danny, who has been nominated into his role by his fellow governors, is part of Priestley’s finance and governance committee.

Priestley is now part of The Challenger Academy Trust (TCAT), which is a charity working to ensure every school pupil has access to outstanding education.

There are now around 2,000 learners at Priestley. More than £15million has been invested in its campus since 1999, with projects including a new £1.5million technology centre with more than 200 computers, a Learning Resource Centre, and the installation of an all-weather sports pitch.

It plays an active role in the local community, with its design students producing trophies for the 2018 Warrington Business Awards.

Danny, who studied politics, English literature, and media studies at Priestley, says volunteering helps him continue to sharpen his skills.

He said: “I think every business person could benefit from taking up a voluntary role. It is an effective way of both boosting your personal development, and becoming more involved with the local community.

“It calls for you to use and develop a variety of business skills such as HR, accountancy, and health and safety.

“It complements my work at Watsons, as I undertake a wide range of tasks, from reviewing accounts funds to providing feedback and advice on a number of important topics.

“I have had to learn a huge amount from the other governors who are much more experienced in education and business roles but I am enjoying that process.

“They are all doing a fantastic job for the college, along with the staff and head Matthew Grant, so I am just grateful to be part of that. I am proud to be involved with my former college. If I can bring anything at all to the governance process then I am happy. I am a very small cog in a big machine, and working together makes it all work.”

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in divorce law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors each hold various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.