Trustees have the overall legal responsibility for a charity. The law describes charity trustees as ‘the persons having the general control and management of the administration of a charity’ (Charities Act 2011, section 177). A trustee role is an opportunity to use your professional skills and life experiences to make a difference to a cause you believe in.
Trustees work collectively to make decisions of behalf of their charity. Trustees are elected or appointed, usually for a fixed period (usually three years) - this will be outlined in the governance documents of the charity. Some organisations may use other term, such as ‘Governors’, for trustee roles.
Trustees are required to operate within the bounds of the governance documents for their charity and also within the law - particularly the Trustee Act 2000, Insolvency Acts, Companies Acts and Charity Acts. As trustees are also volunteers, they won’t be paid for the role, but like any other volunteer, should be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
Can I be a Trustee?
Becoming a trustee is open to most individuals, typically those aged 18 or older (or 16 for Charitable Incorporated Organisations – CIOs). However, certain situations, such as prior disqualification as a trustee or company director, undischarged bankruptcy status, or specific unspent criminal convictions, render one ineligible. Depending on the organisation's requirements, some trustees may need a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, especially if their responsibilities involve sensitive work. Beyond meeting eligibility criteria, a charity trustee should align with the organisation's objectives, demonstrating honesty and integrity.
While boards seek trustees with 'hard skills' like legal and financial expertise, they also value 'soft' skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy towards the charity's beneficiaries. Individuals with firsthand experience can offer unique insights, enriching the board's perspective.
Diversity within trustee boards is crucial for effective decision-making. A diverse board embraces differing perspectives, while a board with same-profile trustees risks groupthink. An effective trustee board recognises when to seek external professional advice to complement existing expertise.
Want more information on being a Trustee? Take a look through Resource Library.
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