The SWI is a member-led organisation, with a Board of Trustees making decisions on behalf of thousands of women around the country. The ten Trustees – all volunteers – meet at least four times a year and decide on strategic goals and major issues, however after losing much-loved Joan Hutchison of Shetland Federation earlier this year, a new Trustee had to be found. Meet Clare Greig of Dunbartonshire Federation who is no stranger to life in this wonderful organisation…
Hi Clare, what experience are you bringing to this role?
“Well, I was a primary teacher for 32 years and a head teacher for part of that time, so education is my background. Prior to that I was in Marks and Spencer’s, in personnel management.”
How long have you been a member of the SWI?
“About 16 years if I remember correctly. I saw an advert in the local paper for Millig SWI in Helensburgh and I've always liked crafts and talks, so I thought it could be interesting. I'll be honest with you, the ‘R’ in SWRI put me off because I'm not from a rural background. I thought, ‘Should I, shouldn't I?’, but then I went along and the ladies I met that first night were just so lovely and welcoming, and – don't take this the wrong way –so ordinary. There was no side to them. Just great, great, people. And then I loved it and that was me hooked.”
So how long was it before you got fully immersed in SWRI life?
“Well, I got sucked into it! I'd only been a member for about a year, and I was at an open meeting in June when I was sort of steered off to a corner by Federation office bearers who were looking for a secretary – it was a lot of pressure. But I didn't say yes. Then I got a phone call in October from the then Secretary saying, ‘We have a meeting tomorrow, Clare, we haven't got anyone. If you don't take this job, we fold.’”
No pressure then…
“I know – I feel totally browbeaten into it, but I became the Federation Secretary. I didn't know how this organisation worked, didn't understand all the shorthand, didn't know what H&H was, I had never shown in a show… I knew nothing, absolutely nothing, so it was a very steep learning curve! But that was the start of it, and I’ve been on the Federation Executive ever since. I am trying to come off this October, we just need to get some more people involved.”
And at Institute level?
“I've been Treasurer in Millig. And then through Covid, I was trying to keep the Institute going. Thankfully Millig has sustained – we had around 22 members last year – we seem to keep round about 20-ish. There are new people each year, so that keeps it interesting. I'm not an office bearer anymore.”
Why go for the Trustee role?
“I feel that although we're in a wee decline, this is a more exciting and more positive time for our organisation. In the past, I think there have been decisions made – whether they were the right decisions or the wrong decisions – I just thought they were really badly managed and really badly communicated. That caused a lot of issues and a lot of problems, but now I think that area has been addressed and we're in a very much more positive place. Obviously, we have issues to deal with, but it's exciting and it's challenging – and I quite fancy that challenge.”
Is your family behind you doing this?
“Oh yes, I did swither for a few weeks, but my husband pushed me – he said, ‘No, go for it. Go for it!’, so I’m delighted to commit for the next two years at least. Normally it’s three years but because I'm taking over from Joan Hutchison (right) who sadly passed away, it's an interim appointment for two years. Then if I want to, I can apply for another three years, with six years the maximum.”
Have you met the other Trustees yet?
“Not all of them, but most of them – and I like them! I know that shouldn’t make a difference, but I do, and I feel there's a really good mixture of personalities.”
What is particularly exciting about coming into this role? Have you got anything in mind to sort out?
“There are a few things. Obviously making ourselves relevant to current times and engaging our existing members and potential members. I feel we have a stereotyped image that we're slowly overturning. We tick so many boxes with current trends in society and so letting people understand who and what we are, must be a major priority.
I'm also a bit of a geek in terms of policies and stuff like that, and I feel there's scope for us to improve in that area. I've just been involved in organising the SWI National Outdoor Bowling competition and I think if we want Federations to take on events then we need resources to help – a guide that will help encourage Federations and let them know what’s expected of them and that will answer questions that they may have.
Latterly there has been a lot more guidance from HQ. There are policies now, and we've got things to which we can refer for support and to help us drive our decisions. I feel now we need more of the same to help our groups and members without becoming dictatorial and losing individual identities.
Finally, the SWI Heritage Project is really important for us because it feeds into the relevance I mentioned. It shows us where we are, how we got here and gives us a place in society. It has shaped us as an organisation and enhances understanding of us and our aims, consequently it should be a major priority.”
You’re coming in at a busy time and we've suddenly just seen the first growth in membership for twenty years – how can we capitalise on that?
“I think it's all about trying to make ourselves current and significant. We’ve started an SWI Junior Dippers group in Helensburgh which could be important for the future, but I think we need to think about people in their 30s and 40s. Women who are looking for a work/life balance and a chance to do something for themselves. There is a gap in opportunities here that we need to fill. I do think people of that age group see us as an organisation for older ladies and this is something we need to address. We are amazing – we just need to shout louder.”