Becoming a Trustee/Board Member

Who has Trustees and Board members?


When you hear ‘Trustee’ you may think of charity trustees, and you wouldn't be wrong. However voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises, often shortened to VCSEs, may all have trustees or non-executive directors.



What are they?


Trustee and non-executive director titles are often used interchangeably and there is a lot of overlap between the roles. In the not-for-profit sector both roles have overall responsibility for the management and future direction of an organisation. 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 of this business happens in trustee, 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.


There's some great information on the roles of trustees and non executive directors on the Local Trust site.


Is this role is right for me?


Some roles require specialist knowledge or skills, but generally voluntary, community, social enterprises 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. Organisations are keen that their boards 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, do reach out to them to discuss available training.


Joining a board 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 organisations are diversifying their boards. Young Trustees Movement are an organisation supporting this. While their focus is on age, young people are a broad demographic, therefore their campaign is part of a wider call for board diversity.


Find out more about Young Trustees Movement via the link below

People in a meeting

Training, guidance and resources.

Community Action Norfolk

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.

Getting on Board, after 19 years of supporting and championing trusteeship have sadly closed their doors.


Resources are available on their website, do check back regularly for updates.

Young Trustees Movement

When 1/12 trustees are named either John or David and fewer than 3% of trustees are under 30, it’s no secret that board diversity is an issue.


Young Trustees Movement are running workshops after which you will


  • Be able to articulate and understand how young trustees can enable organisations to navigate uncertainty, future proof decisions and reflect the interest of their communities.
  • Have a framework to understand how to approach diversity on boards.
  • Be able to run a session with a board to plan practical and achievable next steps.

Padlet notice board

More information and resources for Trustee's, Board members and Non Exec Directors can be found on our Padlet board below - scroll through columns to see older posts.

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Trustee and Board roles

New
Scouting Volunteer - Trustee Role in Fakenham
Organisation role · Flexible hours
Fakenham
Scouting Volunteer - Trustee Role in Fakenham
We are looking for Volunteer Trustees to help provide strategic leadership and governance support for our Fakenham Scout Group.Posted by Norfolk Scouts
New
Trustee
Organisation role · 3–15 hrs/month
Harleston
Trustee
We are looking for committed and motivated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our organisation. Posted by Harleston Information Plus
Scouting Volunteer - Trustee Role in Central Norfolk District
Organisation role · Flexible hours
Dereham
Scouting Volunteer - Trustee Role in Central Norfolk District
We are looking for Volunteer Trustees to help provide strategic leadership and governance support for our Central Norfolk Scouts District.Posted by Norfolk Scouts
Scouting Volunteer - Data Privacy Manager for Norfolk Scouts
Organisation role · Flexible hours
Norwich
Scouting Volunteer - Data Privacy Manager for Norfolk Scouts
Protect. Educate. Lead. ... We're looking for a Volunteer Data Privacy Manager to help Norfolk Scouts stay on top of data protection.Posted by Norfolk Scouts
Treasurer
Organisation role · Flexible hours
Norwich
Treasurer
Repair Cafe Norwich are looking for an experienced Treasurer, for day to day running of financePosted by Repair Café Norwich
Trustees
Organisation role · 4–8 hrs/month
Flexible location
Trustees
We are looking for creative, caring and dedicated people from all walks of life to join our Board of Trustees. Posted by CCN Mentoring

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