Each year, Trustees’ Week shines a spotlight on the dedication and impact of trustees across the UK.
This year, David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, addressed an audience at BDO’s Trustees’ Week event, underscoring the indispensable role trustees play in supporting communities, championing causes, and driving charity goals forward.
Amidst pressing challenges, his speech highlighted the personal and social benefits trustees gain and offered insights into how this vital role is evolving.
The Importance of Trustees in UK Charities
Trustees are the backbone of charities, steering organisations with passion and purpose. Across the UK, approximately 700,000 trustees serve, many voluntarily, to uphold charities’ missions, safeguard assets, and ensure transparency.
“Trustees are a driving force in charities,” Holdsworth shared, noting how they work behind the scenes to create profound social impact. From small local groups to national entities, trustees ensure that charities support vulnerable groups, enhance community well-being, and advocate for change.
Trustees’ efforts often go unseen, yet their influence is felt by thousands, making Trustees’ Week an invaluable moment to acknowledge their contributions and encourage others to consider this role.
Challenges Facing Trusteeship in 2023
While trusteeship offers significant rewards, the role can be demanding, and many charities face a shortage of candidates with essential skills.
Holdsworth emphasised that recruiting skilled trustees, especially in areas like finance, is an ongoing challenge. Research conducted by Pro Bono Economics and NCVO highlights a “crisis” of trustee vacancies, with approximately four out of five charities reporting open positions on their boards.
According to NCVO’s findings, many trustees are eager to recruit new members but find that the right candidates are not always readily available or interested.
This shortage impacts charities’ operational effectiveness and highlights the need for a broader pool of skilled, diverse trustees who can bring varied perspectives to boards.
Trustee Vacancy Statistics:
Organisation |
Trustees Needed |
Challenges Identified |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Bono Economics | Skilled professionals in finance and management | Lack of diverse candidates |
| NCVO | 80% of charities carry vacancies | Difficulty recruiting suitable trustees |
In Holdsworth’s words,
“We need more skilled people, with diverse perspectives, to join charity boards,”
calling attention to the need for inclusive strategies that make trusteeship accessible to all.
Personal and Professional Benefits of Trusteeship
Interestingly, trusteeship does not only benefit charities; trustees themselves often experience a profound sense of fulfilment.
Additionally, 80% of trustees surveyed by the Charity Commission said they would recommend trusteeship to others. These findings underscore that while the role is voluntary, the rewards can be substantial, both personally and professionally.
Charity Commission’s Support for Trustees
To assist trustees in their roles, the Charity Commission has enhanced its guidance and resources, aiming to make trusteeship more attractive and accessible.
For instance, the Charity Commission’s “5-Minute Guides” offer trustees quick, clear insights into their roles and responsibilities.
This year, they also launched an interactive online quiz for trustees, drawing over 43,000 participants, with an average score of 8.9 out of 10, showing strong engagement.
As Holdsworth explained, these initiatives aim to
“bring our guidance to trustees, rather than hoping they come to us,”
making it easier for trustees to access valuable resources. With updated guidance on issues like meetings, decision-making, and financial management, the Commission is committed to ensuring trustees feel informed and empowered.
Federated Charities and the Unique Role of Trustees
For those considering trusteeship, federated charities offer an accessible and supportive environment. These organisations, such as Citizens Advice bureaux, Scout groups, and Age UK, provide local trustees with the guidance, structure, and resources of a larger national brand, blending local impact with strategic oversight.
Holdsworth praised federated charities for giving trustees the “best of both worlds”—a chance to be part of a national movement while contributing directly to local communities.
However, he also noted that federated charities must carefully balance brand reputation with local governance, ensuring that each branch upholds standards that reflect the values of the wider organisation.
Stepping Up in Tough Times
With the pressures of recent years weighing on the sector, many charities are in need of resilient leadership. In light of the cost-of-living crisis and the residual impacts of the pandemic, Holdsworth encouraged everyone to consider stepping into a trusteeship role.
He emphasised that
“it’s precisely during challenging times that trustees can make the greatest difference.”
Trusteeship is not only about giving back but about building a better society, one where each charity can fulfil its mission with committed, skilled, and diverse leadership. To the current trustees, he expressed deep gratitude, recognising their unseen yet vital contributions to communities and causes nationwide.
Join the Journey of Trusteeship
Trustees’ Week serves as a powerful reminder of the essential work done by trustees throughout the UK. For those considering this path, trusteeship offers a chance to learn, lead, and make a lasting impact.
Whether you’re an experienced professional or someone passionate about community service, trusteeship offers meaningful opportunities to contribute and grow.
As Holdsworth aptly conveyed, the time for new trustees to step forward has never been more pressing, and the rewards are many.
Sources: THX News, The Charity Commission & David Holdsworth.
