How to become a charity trustee in the UK

Introduction

I recently became a trustee for Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and love it! My experience left me wondering why I hadn't done it earlier and thinking about what had held me back.

I have found becoming a charity trustee a great way to make a positive impact. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a good way) and helped me expand my skills.

In the UK, where the charitable sector plays a vital role, serving as a trustee can offer many benefits.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of being a charity trustee in the UK. I have tried to list the resources and steps you can take to get a trustee at an organisation which is great for you. I will cover:

practical guidance on how to get involved as a trustee
how to find trustee opportunities
how I conducted due diligence on the organisations I looked at
common barriers to becoming a trustee

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona via Unsplash.com

Things to do before looking for a trustee opportunity:

Identify your passions and skills:
Reflect on causes that inspire you and the skills you can bring to a charitable organisation. Understanding your motivations and strengths will help you find a suitable trustee role.
Be clear about the time you want to commit:
Work out how much time you are able to commit to being a trustee. Also, work out when you will be able to contribute this time e.g. evenings, weekends.
If you are in full-time employment check to see if your employer offers support for people who want to volunteer their time
Networking:
Build your network and let people know you are looking for an opportunity:
- engage with local community groups
- attend events
- connect with professionals already involved in the charitable sector
- sign up to email newsletters for organisations you'd like to support
- follow these organisations and any experts/influencers on their socials
- share and comment on this content where appropriate
Networking can provide valuable insights and connections to trustee opportunities.

How to find trustee opportunities:

Online platforms:
Use dedicated websites such as:
- Reach Volunteering (reachvolunteering.org.uk)
- CharityJob (charityjob.co.uk)
- TrusteeWorks (trustees-unlimited.co.uk)
Professional networks:
Engage with professional organisations or industry-specific networks. They may have trustee opportunities or be aware of relevant vacancies.
Local networks:
Stay informed about local events and initiatives through:
- community notice boards
- local newspapers & social media groups. These sources often highlight trustee vacancies within local charities
- local volunteering

How to conduct due diligence before becoming a charity trustee:

Research the charity:
Visit the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charitycommission.gov.uk) or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (oscr.org.uk) to verify the organisation's charitable status. You can access key information such as financial reports and governing documents.
Assess governance and transparency:
Examine the charity's constitution, annual reports, and accounts. This will help you evaluate their governance structure, financial health, and accountability mechanisms.
Meet key stakeholders:
Engage with the organisation's existing trustees, staff, and volunteers. This will help you get first-hand insights into their experiences and the charity's operations.

Common barriers to becoming a trustee:

Time commitment:
Being a trustee requires time and dedication. This can pose a challenge for individuals with existing professional or personal commitments. Assess your availability and ensure you can commit to the responsibilities.
Skills gap:
Some individuals may feel hesitant due to perceived gaps in their skills or lack of prior trustee experience. However, charities often seek diverse skills, and many provide training and support to trustees. If you have gone through the prep listed above, you will already be clear about the skills and expertise you can offer
Risk and liability concerns: Trustees have legal and financial responsibilities. Educate yourself about your duties and seek professional advice if necessary to mitigate concerns. This pdf from NCVO has a great summary of the risks and liabilities involved.

Benefits of being a charity trustee:

Making a difference:
Trustees play a pivotal role in shaping a charity's strategy, ensuring its values are upheld, and driving positive social change.
Personal development:
Being a trustee offers opportunities for personal growth, including enhancing leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Expanding networks:
Engaging with other trustees, staff, and volunteers fosters new connections and expands your professional network.
Learning opportunities:
Trustees gain insights into various aspects of running a charitable organisation, including finance, governance, and fundraising.
Building a diverse skill set:
Serving as a trustee allows you to contribute your expertise while also acquiring new skills through training and exposure to different areas of nonprofit management.

Conclusion:

Serving as a charity trustee offers numerous benefits that extend beyond making a positive impact on society. I have found it one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. It has helped me with my “day job” providing digital marketing support for charities.

By following the suggested steps to get involved, finding opportunities, conducting due diligence, and overcoming common barriers, I hope individuals can embark on a rewarding journey as trustees.

The experience provides personal growth, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to causes that matter, ultimately shaping a brighter future for communities in need.

If you have any questions or would like a quick chat please feel free to contact me about becoming a trustee.