Trustees' Week 2024

Being a charity trustee offers me an enriched opportunity to make a meaningful impact in society. As a trustee, I play a vital role in guiding the charity’s direction and ensuring it achieves its mission effectively.  Also being a trustee provides a sense of fulfilment and purpose, knowing that my skills and efforts are contributing to helping local communities get the support they need.  Serving as a charity trustee has enhances my personal and professional development.

Furthermore, working in collaboration with a diverse team of fellow trustees has broadens my perspectives which can be a substantial asset for future career growth.
Finally, being a trustee connects me with like-minded individuals committed to positive change.

Are you ready to become a Trustee of the future? If so, please follow this link to see available Trustee opportunities on the Communities 1st Volunteering page.

The future of charity trusteeship is being shaped by a new generation that brings fresh skills, diversity, and an innovative mindset.

Young trustees come with great skills such as digital skills, social media, data analytics, and online fundraising, which are invaluable in modernising how charities engage supporters and expand their reach.

They recognise that diverse boards with varied perspectives lead to more effective decision-making and better representation of the communities they serve.

By balancing immediate impact with forward-thinking strategies, new-generation trustees are setting a standard for ethical and adaptive leadership.

Myths often deter people from becoming charity trustees, even though the role can be highly rewarding.

Common myths include:

•    Belief that you need specific professional qualifications
•    A legal background
•    Prior experience in governance to serve as a trustee.

People often think trustees carry personal financial liability, which is rare if proper oversight is maintained.

Another myth is that the role demands an unmanageable time commitment, but many trustee positions are flexible, with meetings often scheduled quarterly. Additionally, some think they’re “too young” or “not experienced enough,” however diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and skills are highly valued in modern boards. So don’t delay apply today!

We caught up with Olivia Tetlow, young trustee for the Trestle Arts Base in St Albans.

"Since I was very young, I have been going to Trestle Arts Base. I can remember spending joy-filled mornings prancing around with friends in ballet class and bugging my parents for every chocolate bar in the cafe. So fast forward 15 years, when I saw Trestle looking for trustees, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn't know much about what it meant to be a trustee, but I knew I wanted to be involved in such a brilliant organisation and building I had loved for years. After a few brilliant conversations with current board members and the leadership, and gaining an understanding of what my role would entail, I joined the board!

Since becoming a trustee, I have learned a huge amount, from my fellow trustees, from the Trestle team and at every single meeting. I have been able to develop my awareness and understanding of strategy and governance, both of which are invaluable to my professional development. Realising my passion for youth leadership, I have also had the opportunity to set up a youth board, in order to help ensure that all our work as a board is informed by those we try to reach. Being a young trustee has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I would encourage anyone considering it to go for it!"

Take the Charity Commissions Trustee Quiz here.

Why not use your skills to become a trustee and help to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change?

Have a look at the trustee opportunities available on our volunteering page.

Herts Vision Loss, a charity supporting visually impaired residents across Hertfordshire, is recruiting a trustee with some independent judgment and an interest in utilising their skills with us in a charitable Trustee role, and in particular those with experience or background and skills in legal, financial, accounting. However, no prior charity experience is needed, just a willingness to contribute to the organisation's strategic direction, governance, and financial oversight.

• Click here for more information and to view the full advert.

Broxbourne Big Local are hiring a trustee to play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future direction. Working collaboratively with other committed individuals, Trustees contribute to the ongoing development and sustainability of the Wormley Community Centre and broader community initiatives. Responsibilities include strategic planning, financial oversight, and ensuring all activities align with the organization’s charitable objectives.

• Click here for more information and to view the full advert.

The Open Door Charity is looking for a new chair of Trustees to lead their board in sustaining and developing new opportunities to meet the needs of rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness in the St Albans area. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader with a passion to tackle homelessness issues, and with experience in strategic decision making and developing and delivering change.

• Click here for more information and to view the full advert. 

Cheshunt Common Rights Trust are looking for a clerk to the Trustees. The Trust is responsible for several acres of land in and around Goffs Oak which was formed by act of Parliament. The land is used to provide payments to those entitled to receive monies by right of having a connection to parts of the land owned by the Trust. The administration of the rents and payments out is organised by the Clerk working with a number of Trustees.

• Click here for more information and to view the full advert.