Quite some years ago, I was addressing the board of a newly transferred LSVT (‘Large Scale Voluntary Transfer’), waxing lyrical on such matters as company director and charity trustee duties, the need for independent judgement, corporate responsibility for health and safety, employment rights and other such topics.

Suddenly, a gentleman who had been sitting quietly taking notes rose to his feet. “Nobody told me all this when the council twisted my arm to join this Board, and I’m afraid I’m not up for it.” With that, the councillor left the room. We all sat quietly until he left the building, me feeling slightly apprehensive. But there was no need – not a word was said, and we got on with the business in hand. The other two councillors stayed in the seats, and participated positively in the discussions, both, as it turned out, remaining on the board for the then full nine-year term.