Top Tips for being a Great Trustee!

So, you’ve just been accepted as a trustee on the board of a charity, or maybe you’ve been a trustee for a little while already. What can you do to ensure that you’re not just a trustee, but a great trustee? Here are our top tips to give you some food for thought!

Be clear on your responsibilities:

As a trustee, you do have legal duties to act in the best interest of the charity. Understanding relevant laws and regulations will help you make the best decisions possible.

Embrace the Mission and Values!

A clear understanding of the mission and values of your charity is fundamental in helping move forwards and being able to successfully advocate for its interests and contribute meaningfully to its objectives.

Education, Education, Education!

Take advantage of any opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills as a trustee – training sessions, workshops, seminars, networking events – all worth looking into to keep yourself informed and up to date.

Active Engagement

Ensure that you are an active participant in trustee meetings, discussions and decision-making processes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge accepted thinking in a positive and constructive way.

Ensure transparency and accountability

Maintain open communications, adhere to ethical standards and ensure prudent financial management.

Invest in relationships

Cultivate positive relationships with follow trustees, but also with staff members and volunteers. They can give you valuable perspectives and insights. You may also have donors and external stakeholders that it would be beneficial to foster good relations with.

Exercise Strategic Leadership

Help set goals, develop plans and monitor progress towards achieving the organisation’s mission. Ensure decisions are made based on data, evidence and input from stakeholders.

Advocate for Diversity & Inclusion

We know that diverse boards are better for your organisation (NCVO – The Importance of Diversity in your Trustee Board - The importance of diversity in your trustee board | NCVO). Support and promote diversity and inclusion within your organisation and decision-making processes – it benefits everyone!

Seek feedback and evaluation:

Regular feedback can be really helpful – embrace constructive criticism to help grow and improve!

GoVolHerts, in partnership with Hertfordshire Community Foundation, run an annual Trustee Conference in November each year, during Trustees’ Week – keep an eye open for updates about the next event!