A conversation with Isky Osman
For our latest chat in the series where we get to know the Trinity team, we went back in time to think about Trinity's past, present and future, with one of our longest serving team members.
Read on to get to know our previous Chief Executive (retired 2014), Isky.

Hi Isky! Thanks for taking time to chat to us about your time at Trinity, we really appreciate it.
So tell us, when did your time at Trinity start and what was it like then?
I started work at Trinity in 1993, when I was appointed as Centre Manager. This was a newly created position. Previously, the Centre had been managed by Rev. Charles Watson, who was retiring. Newham Council, in recognition of Trinity's work in the community, agreed to fund the position.
Trinity at that time was a relatively small Centre, although very busy. We only had a staff team of four! Me, Paul (Community Worker), June (Secretary/Administrator) and Len (Caretaker/Cleaner). We all worked together, often overlapping in our duties and responsibilities - I can't recall anyone ever saying "that's not in my job description"!
My background in my previous jobs had been in setting up projects. I loved working out what was needed to improve local conditions and how we could meet those needs. At that time, it was fairly easy to raise money to set projects up, now it's so much more competitive.
What was your biggest challenge as Trinity Chief Executive?
My biggest challenge was undoubtedly ensuring that we had enough money to pay for an increasingly bigger staff team. We set up project after project - all wonderful and I think very successful, but quite a burden to fund. Then in 2008 the banking crisis meant money available for charities disappeared overnight! We survived this period, unlike so many other truly excellent organisations, but it was our biggest challenge and it taught us that we needed to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on funders.
What were you doing before you started working at Trinity, and what do you think you might have done had you not worked here?
I had worked in New Zealand for about six years, doing similar work, managing a busy Centre. I returned to the UK and temporarily managed a Family Consultation Service and then applied for the Trinity job. I enjoy writing and almost went into journalism, so perhaps I might have gone down that road.
What are the biggest changes you've seen in recent years at Trinity (and/or in our sector in general)?
Trinity has grown enormously. Improvements to the building have been made, so that we can offer more activities. I remember in 1993 Trinity had a small children's playgroup, which then developed into a creche before growing to be a full day care Nursery. The Nursery is now one of Trinity's biggest programmes.
The first major change in the sector is the professionalisation of this type of work. The majority of community centres used to be run by volunteers, that's not so much the case any longer The second change is in funding. Newham Council provided grants for many years for activities and support, because it worked out cheaper for them. Those grants have mostly disappeared now.
What's your favourite memory of Trinity?
When I came for my interview, I remember looking at the building and thinking that it needed to look softer and more welcoming. This is why we began the garden.
Our garden wouldn't look half as beautiful without Paul's dedication but he was hesitant at first, concerned that it would be vandalised. People love it though, and fortunately, it has never been vandalised. They see Paul caring for the plants and enjoy chatting to him about it, offering cuttings from their own garden - it's a wonderful connection with the people who use the building and those who walk by.
What's most important to you?
Kindness - when I see what's going on, globally and locally, it often makes me despair but, now and again, there are acts of kindness and generosity that are truly inspiring.
And finally, do you have a secret skill/can you share something that you're really good at?
I'm very good at creating order, making space efficient and trying to teach my husband that if he would just put things back where they belong he would save hours of his time (and mine)!
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