New Year, New Challenge - Being a Trustee

One of the roles that I'm most proud of was my time as Vice-Chair of West Norfolk Mind. Not only was I proud of the organisation it's self, and the difference it made to people suffering poor mental health. But also, the skills and experience i gained, are completely unrivalled from any other voluntary experience. Hopefully this article will inspire you to consider becoming a charity trustee.

Why Become A Charity Trustee?

Serving as a charity trustee in the UK can be a rewarding experience with various benefits. Here are some advantages:

1. Contributing to a Cause: Being a charity trustee allows you to actively contribute to a cause or mission you believe in. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on society, whether it's related to education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, or any other charitable purpose.

2. Personal Satisfaction: Playing a role in the success and growth of a charitable organization can bring personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that your efforts are making a difference can be highly rewarding.

3. Professional Development: Serving as a charity trustee can offer opportunities for professional development. You may gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, financial management, and leadership, which can enhance your skills and be beneficial in other areas of your life.

4. Networking Opportunities: Engaging with other trustees, professionals, and stakeholders in the charitable sector provides networking opportunities. This can broaden your professional connections and expose you to diverse perspectives and experiences.

5. Building Leadership Skills: Trustees often play leadership roles within the charity. This involvement can help you develop and refine leadership skills, such as decision-making, communication, and conflict resolution.

While being a charity trustee offers numerous benefits, it's essential to recognize the associated responsibilities and potential challenges. Staying informed about legal obligations, dedicating the necessary time and effort, and continuously learning about the sector are important aspects of effective trusteeship.

Things to Consider Before Accepting the Role

While being a charity trustee in England and Wales can be a rewarding experience, it also comes with its share of challenges. Here are some common challenges faced by charity trustees in these jurisdictions:

1. Legal Responsibilities: Charity trustees have legal obligations and duties, and failing to fulfill them can have serious consequences. Navigating the legal landscape, understanding regulatory requirements, and ensuring compliance with charity law can be complex and challenging.

2. Financial Management: Trustees are responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the charity. Managing budgets, understanding financial reports, and ensuring financial sustainability can be challenging, particularly for those without a financial background.

3. Risk Management: Trustees must assess and manage risks to the charity. This includes identifying potential risks, implementing risk management strategies, and making informed decisions to protect the organization's assets and reputation.

4. Strategic Decision-Making: Trustees are responsible for making strategic decisions that align with the charity's mission and objectives. Balancing competing priorities, considering long-term sustainability, and adapting to changes in the external environment can be challenging.

5. Governance Issues: Ensuring good governance within the charity is crucial. Trustees may face challenges related to conflicts of interest, transparency, and maintaining effective communication among board members.

6. Accountability and Transparency: Charity trustees must be accountable to both the beneficiaries and regulatory authorities. Maintaining transparency in decision-making processes and communicating effectively with stakeholders can be challenging.

It's important for charity trustees to be aware of these challenges and actively work to address them. Seeking professional advice, attending training programs, and staying informed about changes in legislation and best practices are essential for effective trusteeship. Additionally, building a diverse and skilled board, fostering open communication, and developing a culture of accountability can help mitigate many of these challenges.

Where to Start

• 5 Minute Guide for Charity Trustees - Produced by the Charity Commission, these are a really place to start finding out more about the role, and the expectations of the regulator.
• Finding a Role: Reach Volunteering - Check out their website for finding roles and getting tips on how to approach the role of trustee.
• The Scouts - It's important to remember that each Scout Group, District, and Area/County are individual charities, and are always looking for Trustees. I spent over 10 years in these role, and I can't recommend them high enough.