What is a Trustee?

Charity trustees play a very important role in making sure that the charity is run well. They are volunteers who strategically oversee the management, governance and administration of the organisation.

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision and mission. A trustee's role in a charity is to make sure that all decisions put the needs of the service users/beneficiaries first and that they don't move away from the organisation's constitutional goals. 

Trustees safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure that the charity is run sustainably and in line with legal requirements. 

Trustees are not typically involved in the day-to-day operations of a charity. Instead, they delegate these responsibilities to staff, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Trustees act as a ‘critical friend’ to the CEO—offering support while also providing constructive challenge to ensure effective leadership. However, in smaller charities with limited staff, trustees may also take on more direct, operational responsibilities.

Becoming a trustee offers a wide range of personal and professional benefits. Like most volunteering, it can boost your wellbeing—helping to reduce stress, combat depression, and build confidence. But being a trustee goes even further, offering unique opportunities that many other volunteer roles don’t.

Trustee roles are often flexible, require less time commitment than other volunteering positions, and can frequently be carried out from home. This makes them accessible and adaptable to your lifestyle.

As a trustee, you’ll have the chance to step outside your usual work and home routines. You’ll develop valuable skills such as strategic thinking, decision-making, negotiation, and relationship management. You get to learn on the job and get access to a unique training experience while giving something back.

You’ll also expand your network, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and gain insights into lives and experiences you might never otherwise encounter—all while making a meaningful contribution to a cause you care about.

Many charities also value diverse perspectives, so you don’t need to be an expert—just committed and willing to learn. Could you be Perth and Kinross' newest trustee?

Some organisations may require a particular skill if they have a gap in their existing board, for example a finance professional. However, most boards require a diverse range of views, skills and experiences and so there will always be an opportunity out there to suit.

Lived experience of an issue can be of particular benefit to a charity. For example, being young, a single parent or person of colour will greatly enhance a boards collective decision making in regards to these groups of people who often face intersectional barriers to participation. Even if you have never done anything like this before, could your perspective be what these boards are missing?

All in all, skills can be learnt but enthusiasm for the cause and a willingness to learn are the most important thing you can bring to the table as a trustee.

Every role will be different, however there are usually 4 - 6 board meetings annually. These may be complemented by further sub-committee meetings for example, a fundraising planning group. You may also be expected to do some work outside of meetings such as sending emails, doing research or attending events.

When you choose a role, be sure to ask about the commitment required. Do they want a hands on trustee who is at every event or are they happy for you to just attend the committee meetings with occasional drop ins?

Some trusteeships will have terms of commitment such as a three year term after which you will need to step down or renew your role. In some cases, you may have a limit on the amount of terms you are allowed do. However, if you are no longer able to commit or decide the role is not for you then it is ok to leave your voluntary position. Your health and wellbeing are what is most important in this situation.

Further information and training can be found online. Here are some useful links:

Demystifying trusteeship with our Specialist Volunteer Network - Inspiring Scotland

OSCR | Guidance and good practice for charity trustees

Charity Chair of Trustees And Board Roles And Responsibilities

Roles & responsibilities - SCVO

GovernanceWiki