After a long and successful career in the corporate world, Ryan Jong is embracing a new chapter, one that’s all about giving back. Having recently retired in December 2024, Ryan is looking to join Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA) as a trustee, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on community support.
“I wanted to use my skills to give something back,” Ryan says. “Before retiring, I was a partner at a Big Four accountancy firm, where I built and led a department of 60 people. My background is in financial services, statistics, and risk management, areas that might not seem immediately relevant to the voluntary sector, but I’ve found there are more similarities than you might think.”
Although Ryan had always been interested in volunteering, Ryan’s demanding career and family life left little time for it over the past two decades. But now, with more time on his hands and a desire to stay purposeful in retirement, he’s diving into this new role with energy and enthusiasm.
Finding a suitable volunteering role
While exploring volunteering opportunities in Wandsworth, the trustee position at WCA stood out.
“I was looking for something where I could truly add value,” Ryan explains. “Given my past experience working closely with boards and governance, the trustee role at WCA seemed like a natural fit.”
Ryan acknowledges that, at first glance, his background in finance and statistics might not appear directly related to the voluntary and community sector. But he sees a deeper connection.
“The challenges that many charities and community organisations face today, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, aren’t unlike the challenges financial institutions faced during the 2008 crisis. It’s all about adapting, continuing to serve the public good, and finding sustainable ways to operate in uncertain times.”
Ryan’s advice to anyone potential interested in volunteering
When asked what advice he would give to others considering volunteering or a trustee role, Ryan is clear: “Just go for it.”
“Even if you don’t think you ‘fit’ perfectly, your experiences might still be valuable. Everyone has something to contribute. When I was building my team, I never wanted 60 clones of myself. I wanted different opinions, different perspectives. That’s what leads to better results.”
Looking ahead
Though he’s still new to the role, Ryan is excited about what lies ahead.
“It’s early days, but I hope to get to know WCA better and to make a meaningful contribution. My goal is simple: I want to leave WCA in a better place than when I joined.”
We’re excited to have Ryan on board and look forward to the impact he’ll make as part of our dedicated trustee team. If you’re inspired by his story and are thinking about volunteering or becoming a trustee yourself, take that first step, you never know where it might lead.
Get in touch with us at communications@wandcareall.org.uk