Becoming a Trustee

Could you be a trustee?


Trustees have the overall responsibility for the management and future direction of a charity. This means that they should ensure that the organisation is:

  • doing what it says it will do in its governing document
  • demonstrating how it is working for the benefit of the public
  • complying with the law
  • planning for the short, medium and long term
  • using its resources (staff, finance, buildings) wisely
  • accountable to its members and the public

Most trustee business happens in trustee (or board or committee) meetings, and you would be expected to prepare for the meetings by reading the papers and thinking about the various topics for discussion. Outside of meetings, you may be involved in other activities, such as recruiting staff or volunteers, attending meetings and events, or supporting staff and volunteers with projects. If the organisation has paid staff, trustees generally have less involvement in operational matters than if the activities are all delivered by volunteers.


How do I decide if a trustee role is right for me?


Some Trustee roles require specialist knowledge or skills, but generally charities and other non-profit organisations are looking for people who are willing and able to commit their time, ideas and experiences to support the organisation’s cause. 


Don’t worry if you haven’t been a member of a committee or a trustee before, and you don’t need to be an expert in the organisation’s area of work. Charities and groups are keen that their committees represent the different ages and backgrounds of people from their local communities, so if you are interested in a role, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the organisation to find out more about it


Organisations will generally provide information and training for new Trustees, and there are also lots of free resources available to aspiring Trustees' from Getting on Board


Being a Trustee is a great way to learn new skills, and gain experience in new areas – as well as meeting new people.


Did you know less than 3% of Trustees' are under 30 years old? We want to support this to change.


There is great work already taking place and many boards are doing great work to diversify their boards. Young Trustees Movement are an organisation supporting this. While their While their focus is on age, young people are not just part of one demographic, therefore their campaign is part of a wider call for board diversity.


Check out Young Trustees Movement via the link below

People in a meeting

Trustee training, guidance and resources.

Community Action Norfolk with CAN in speech bubble

Community Action Norfolk

Community Action Norfolk offer a 2 hour on-line training session which provides Trustees of Norfolk organisations with greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This session covers:


o  Different types of trustee

o  Appointments and decision making

o  Liabilities and conflicts of interest

o  Reporting requirements


CAN are a membership organisation, for details on membership, training and fees head to their website by clicking the button below.

Getting on Board

This year Getting on Board started the Trustee Learning Programme, a collection of all their free and high-quality webinars, clinics and panel discussions to help you become and be an effective trustee.

 

There are six strands relating to various stages of trustee development: 

 

  • Newly appointed trustees: Everything you need to get started in your role. 
  • Recruiting trustees: Help for charity leaders and staff with open recruitment.
  • Trustee refresher: Give existing trustees’ learning a boost. 
  • Hot topics: Discussing the fascinating and challenging current issues that impact our roles as trustees.
  • Taking on new responsibilities: Learning to support moving onto a chair, vice chair or treasurer role.
  • Skilling up: Deepen your knowledge of board matters like fundraising and working with your CEO.

 

All the Trustee Learning Programme sessions embed best equity, diversity and inclusion practices.

Trustee roles

Treasurer
Organisation role · 6–10 hrs/month
Norfolk
Treasurer
Historic Norfolk is looking for a new treasurer to join its active board of trustees. Posted by Historic Norfolk
Charity seeks new Governors for 2024 start
Organisation role · Flexible hours · Starting from 13 May 2024
Norwich
Charity seeks new Governors for 2024 start
A charitable Trust which supports a war memorial and public library seeks new members for the Board Posted by Memorial Trust of the 2nd Air Division USAAF at the American Library
Trustee
Organisation role · 1–4 hrs/month
Norwich
Trustee
Are you a professional looking for an opportunity to utilise your expertise for the wellbeing of your local community? Join our team as a Trustee!Posted by Norfolk Citizens Advice
Harford Community Centre Needs You!
Organisation role · Flexible hours
Norwich
Harford Community Centre Needs You!
South Harford & Tuckswood Community Association are looking for volunteers to join our committee in particular a new Treasurer.Posted by South Harford & Tuckswood Community Association
Trustee
Organisation role · 4–5 hrs/month · Starting from 22 Oct 2023
Norwich
Trustee
The current Trustees of Cantley Village Hall are looking for help to manage the day to day running of the hall and become involved in fundraising for a new hallPosted by Cantley Village Hall
Finance Non-Executive Director
Organisation role · 1–5 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Finance Non-Executive Director
We are seeking someone with strong Finance skills and experience to join our Board to develop and support our financial operation and governance. Posted by Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services

News, events and training

Get InVOLved this Christmas

Although many organisations have recruited their Christmas helpers, there's still activities to get involved ...
See more

It's Trustees' Week

Trustees' Week is an annual week of celebration and thanks to the nearly one million trustees across the UK ...
See more
A Voluntary Norfolk staff member chats to a member of the public in a community space

Come along and celebrate health and care volunteering in your local area!

People across Norfolk and Waveney are invited to special volunteering “Wellfest” events this October, to ...
See more