12 Apr SDUK Blog – Pooja Ghai

Hello,

Firstly I want to say thank you to all the members for voting me onto the board – and in turn I would like to thank Tom for reaching out and asking me to be co-chair alongside Matthew Dunster. The proposition was too good to miss and both Matthew and I are thrilled to be working with such a brilliant board, Tom and Liz to facilitate and bring about the next stages and incarnations of SDUK.

I joined SDUK because I wanted to ensure that we as directors had a place where we could be heard. There are many discrepancies and disparities amongst directors, from equal pay, to the obvious barriers faced by underrepresented groups. As a South Asian woman, I have had to negotiate both my race and gender alongside my passion, commitment and talent.  I wanted be part of an organisation that I could turn to – to ask the muddy questions and get advice, as well as to understand better my rights as a freelance director. SDUK is here to help in contract negotiation and legal issues that may arise, but we are also here to help manage and support the more holistic needs of our member base. The SDUK resilience project, by way of support, advice and mentoring helps to consolidate this intention.

We have undoubtedly been through one of the most challenging times that our sector has seen in recent history. Our freelance workforce has been catapulted into the unknown overnight and we have had to tap into our resilience and networks to get through and keep our heads above water. However out of every crisis comes opportunity and this is where SDUK can help play a part in our recovery. The pandemic, despite its upheaval has also been a time of reflection. The SDUK membership has remained steady through this time, and as we re-open our doors and regain our momentum it is a time for us to both listen and develop strategies to both retain and grow our member base. The board have come together with a determination to ensure that we are an organisation that is both relevant and pro-active. We want to hear from you – what are your needs, what your expectations, and what are your provocations for us at SDUK.

Tom and Liz are unwavering in their support and tenacity, their care and agility to ensure that our members are both looked after and given the right guidance and support. It is with great pride that I can be on the board and help push forward the agenda’s that have already been set up and the new avenues being explored.

I look forward to seeing you all in person soon,

Sending love and solidarity,

Pooja