Could you become a trustee?
Do you care about your community or a cause close to your heart? Becoming a trustee is a rewarding way to make a lasting difference.
You don’t need previous board-level experience to get started. Charities value people from a wide range of backgrounds and welcome different skills, experiences and perspectives, including an understanding of the communities they serve.
You don’t need to have been a trustee before. Many organisations are looking for enthusiasm, commitment and fresh perspectives. Training, inductions and ongoing support are often available to help new trustees succeed.
Browse Trustee Opportunities
What does a trustee do?
Trustees work together to provide strategic leadership for a charity and make decisions about its future. They help ensure the organisation is well run, financially sustainable and focused on achieving its charitable aims.
Depending on the organisation, trustees may also be known as directors, governors or committee members. While titles vary, their role is generally to oversee governance, finances and strategic direction.
What could you bring?
Trustees come from all walks of life and bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experiences.
You might have experience in:
- Finance
- Fundraising
- Marketing and communications
- Human resources
- Legal services
- IT and digital technology
- Community engagement
- Project management
Equally valuable are local knowledge, lived experience, problem-solving abilities and the confidence to listen, ask questions and contribute ideas.
You don’t need to know everything. What matters most is a willingness to learn, contribute and work collaboratively with others.
Understanding your responsibilities
Trustees have important legal duties and are collectively responsible for ensuring that their charity is well governed and operates in line with its charitable purposes.
Together, trustees must:
- Keep the charity focused on its aims and public benefit.
- Follow the governing document and relevant laws.
- Act in the charity’s best interests.
- Use resources responsibly.
- Apply reasonable care, skill and diligence.
- Meet accountability and reporting requirements.
Responsibility is shared across the trustee board, even where tasks have been delegated.
Before accepting a trustee role, read The Essential Trustee.
Who can become a trustee?
For charities in England and Wales, the minimum age is 16 for charitable companies and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs), and 18 for other charities.
The governing document may set additional requirements.
Some people are legally disqualified from being trustees. Check the automatic disqualification guidance. A Charity Commission waiver may be possible in some circumstances.
Is the opportunity right for you?
Before applying, consider:
- What does the organisation do and do its aims align with my values?
- How much time is required?
- What challenges and opportunities is the organisation facing?
- What support and induction are available?
- Can I claim expenses?
- What legal responsibilities come with the role?
Most trustee roles are voluntary and unpaid, although reasonable expenses can often be reimbursed.
What could you gain?
Trusteeship can help you:
- Build confidence
- Develop leadership skills
- Gain governance experience
- Expand your professional network
- Learn how organisations operate
- Give something back to your community
Trusteeship is an important commitment, so take time to find an opportunity that matches your interests, values and availability.
Useful guidance
- https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/governanceNCVO – Knowhow: Governance resources
- https://trusteesweek.org/ – Trustees’ Week
The charity law and guidance above apply primarily to charities in England and Wales. Other voluntary organisations may operate under different structures and duties.
This page provides introductory information rather than legal advice.
Find your trustee opportunity
Explore available roles and discover where your skills could make a difference.