CEO Blog - Trustees: Guiding the Future, Building a Better Today
By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st
As we approach Trustees' Week, it's a time to celebrate those unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, making a difference to countless communities and lives across the UK. As CEO of Communities 1st and currently serving as Vice-Chair of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA). I’m also a trustee for several organisations, including the Community Transport Association (CTA), the Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN), and the Association of Chairs (AoC), as well as a temporary trustee for RSPCA Stort Valley. My journey as a trustee has been as varied as it has been rewarding - sometimes challenging, sometimes delightful - but always an investment in a better future. Trusteeship is something that is open to everyone, and it’s an experience that not only builds organisations but also enriches the lives of those who step up to take on this vital role.
Why Trusteeship Matters
Being a trustee is a unique opportunity to steer the ship of a charity, guiding its work and ensuring it serves the community effectively and ethically. It’s not about managing day-to-day operations; it’s about shaping the long-term direction and ensuring the charity’s goals align with its mission. Trusteeship is a chance to be at the forefront of change - whether that's advocating for better services, supporting the health sector, improving community engagement, or leading new initiatives.
Trustees help charities navigate their challenges, define their strategic goals, and stay true to their values. For younger generations who are eager to enact real change, what better way to do so than from the inside? As a trustee, you’re making decisions that directly impact the lives of those the charity serves, and you’re doing so alongside a team of passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds. And while I believe in encouraging younger people to consider trusteeship, I also know that everyone, regardless of age, has something valuable to contribute. A diverse board of trustees brings different perspectives and ideas, ensuring the charity remains relevant and adaptable to changing community needs.
Benefits for the Individual
Being a trustee is not just about giving - it’s also about growth. Many trustees find that their role boosts their professional skills, and allows them to connect with others in meaningful ways. It’s a chance to develop strategic planning skills, financial oversight capabilities, and an understanding of governance. For me, trusteeship has always been a two-way street: while I contribute my expertise to support charities, I also gain insights, meet incredible people, and learn something new with every board meeting.
Serving as a trustee has helped me see things from different angles, strengthened my leadership skills, and broadened my perspective on the challenges faced by our communities. Being both a CEO and working with a board of trustees has given me the invaluable opportunity to gain insights from diverse voices, challenge my own thinking, and work collaboratively to address these challenges effectively. Whether you’re just starting your career or are looking to share years of experience, being a trustee can add layers of depth to your personal and professional life. It’s rewarding to help a cause grow, evolve, and impact more lives, all while growing yourself.
Breaking Down Barriers to Trusteeship
However, we know that not everyone sees trusteeship as accessible. Too often, people feel that it’s “not for them.” One of the most powerful comments I’ve heard recently from a fellow trustee was, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” It’s crucial for us to make trusteeship visible and to break down the misconceptions that surround it. Trusteeship is for everyone, and we need to ensure that boards reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Charities can take simple, proactive steps to ensure this happens. Open recruitment, transparency about what skills are needed, and the use of language that welcomes people from all walks of life are all essential. We need to make it clear that you don’t need decades of experience or a certain professional background to add value. The richness of trusteeship comes from varied experiences, fresh ideas, and a willingness to learn.
The Rewards of Giving Back
Beyond the practical skills, trusteeship offers intrinsic rewards. Being part of something bigger than yourself, working with a group of dedicated individuals towards a shared goal, can be really fulfilling. It provides a sense of purpose, a community to belong to, and the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts are making a real difference. You may even find that volunteering in this way positively impacts your mental health and wellbeing. The challenges that come with trusteeship also bring growth; they stretch your thinking, your adaptability, and your capacity to lead.
I urge anyone who has ever considered becoming a trustee to take that next step. The opportunity to help a charity reach its potential, while simultaneously growing your own skills and networks, is unparalleled. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, health, the environment, or culture, there’s a charity out there that could benefit from what you have to offer.
How to Get Involved
There are an estimated 950,000 trustee roles in the UK, with thousands of vacancies at any one time. Many charities are actively seeking trustees with fresh perspectives—people who are willing to bring their unique skills and enthusiasm to the table. If you’re curious about what trusteeship involves, think about talking to Communities 1st's volunteer centre, which can provide guidance and help you navigate your first steps into trusteeship.
Think about the causes you care about, the change you want to see in the world, and how you might be able to contribute. You don’t have to start big—even smaller, local charities need trustees and often provide a more hands-on experience. Start by reaching out, learning, and seeing where you could fit. It’s a journey well worth embarking upon—not only for the charities you’ll help but also for your own growth.
Trusteeship is varied, rewarding, inspiring, and at times, challenging. It’s about stepping up, making a difference, and guiding charities to a brighter future. Let’s open the doors to trusteeship for everyone, creating a community of leadership that truly reflects the diversity and spirit of our society. I hope that this Trustees' Week will inspire many more to come forward, take up the mantle, and help lead our charities towards a better tomorrow.
Stephen Craker,
Chief Executive, Communities 1st.
