The CEHL Board sets the strategic direction for our organisation and ensures decisions are made with care and accountability. That’s why having strong, informed voices on the board is so important. Recently, we spoke to Elected Director Beth Rundle about her time on the Board – what she’s learned along the way and what she’s valued most about the experience.
Learning the Language of Boards: Beth’s Journey
A few years ago, Beth thought her working life was winding down—until the chance to join the CEHL Board came along. Unsure whether she had the right skills, Beth hesitated at first, but the chance to give back to the co-op communities that had supported her over the years was too meaningful to pass up. Determined to contribute, Beth stepped forward.
“I used to think you had to be an expert to sit on a board. What I’ve learned is that lived experience, combined with a willingness to grow, is just as powerful.”
“Being on the board is about making big decisions that affect lots of people,” she says, “I wanted to make sure the board understood the real experiences of people living in co-op housing.”
Finding her voice in the boardroom
Adjusting to the boardroom wasn’t easy. At first, Beth felt out of her depth. It felt like a different world,” she recalls. “There were so many reports, policies, and finance discussions I had to take my time to understand.”
But over time, Beth began to find her footing – not just by learning the technical language, but by growing more confident in what she had to offer.
“I learned that it’s okay to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything on day one,” she says.
For Beth, one of the biggest shifts was realising the value of speaking up. “It’s not just about understanding; it’s about having a voice at the table,” she says, “I started asking, ‘How does this decision affect co-op members?’ That’s when I felt like I really belonged.”
The Power of Mentorship
A key part of Beth’s growth came through the CEHL Board Director Mentoring Program, which pairs CEHL Elected Directors with Independent Technical Board Directors—experienced professionals with governance and industry expertise. The program not only supports the development of Elected Directors like Beth but also gives Technical Directors the opportunity to deepen their understanding of co-operative housing and gain valuable insight into the lived experiences of co-op members.
“My mentor helped me understand how board meetings work, what to focus on, and how to speak up with confidence,” Beth says.
Having a mentor made all the difference. “When you have someone guiding you, it’s easier to learn and grow.”
“They encouraged me to ask questions and reminded me that my lived experience was valuable.”
Encouraging new voices
Beth strongly believes that having co-op members on the board strengthens CEHL. “A board needs people who understand what it’s like to live in co-op housing. That perspective is so important.”
Her time on the board has had a lasting impact – not just on CEHL, but for Beth personally “I’ve learned leadership skills, gained confidence, and made a real impact – it’s a big responsibility, but it’s also very rewarding.
To other co-op members considering board nomination, Beth has this advice: “You already have valuable experience. If you live in a co-op, you understand community, teamwork, and problem-solving. Those are skills that boards need.”
“If you care about co-op housing, your voice matters. You don’t need to know everything – you just need to be willing to learn.”
At the 2025 AGM, there will be five Elected Board Director positions available. Beth hopes that members will come forward, bringing their lived experience and fresh perspectives to the Board room.
“You don’t need to be an expert to start. If you care about your co-op and want to make a difference, you already have what it takes.”
