Recruiting and supporting volunteers - a key governance responsibility for trustees
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many charities. However, for trustees, volunteer involvement in an operational context is not only a strength, but also an area of governance responsibility. Read on to find out more
Many new trustees assume volunteer recruitment and management is purely an operational matter. Yet while staff may oversee day-to-day volunteer coordination, trustees are responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems, policies and oversight exist.
Trustee Troubleshooter: we really struggle to recruit trustees. What can we do?
In our September Matters Arising newsletter, Penny Wilson, Inclusive charity governance consultant, shares advice on a query from one of our readers
“We really struggle to recruit trustees. We’re down to just three of us now and we just don’t seem to be able to attract any more. When we do persuade people, they don’t stay. What can we do?”
Penny responds below:
That’s difficult. It puts extra pressure on the three of you who are left and it’s frustrating when people agree to be a trustee and then don’t stay.
‘I’d recommend looking beyond your usual networks and being clear about why you want people to join your board’
Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) have recently tripled the size of their trustee board – and increased its diversity and experience. Susanna Morris, Volunteer and Participation Co-ordinator, explains how they achieved this
When I started working on our trustee recruitment, I’d not recruited to a board before, and if I’m honest, felt a little out of my depth! I was relatively new to my role, coming from a predominantly clinical and training background, so I approached the task from what I know - encouraging involvement and making individuals feel welcome.
Read on to hear how Susanna and colleagues successfully adapted their recruitment process to help you do the same.
What I wish charity boards knew about bringing in young trustees
James Hancock is Vice Chair of Trustees for The Birds of Prey Project and, as a young trustee, he is dedicated to increasing the representation and quality of experience for trustees aged 30 and under. To this end, he shares his trustee journey so far, exploring how board members can help young trustees thrive
I became a trustee in December 2024 primarily because I enjoy, and find a great sense of purpose in, helping others. Becoming a trustee for The Bird of Prey Project in Bath has allowed me to do this through something that I am very passionate about, namely promoting the welfare and conservation of birds and wildlife.
Artificial intelligence: what trustees need to know
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday working life. From drafting communications and analysing data to automating administrative tasks, many charities are already using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or automated fundraising platforms.
While these tools can bring real efficiencies, they also introduce new risks that trustees need to understand.
INTERVIEW: “Trustee of the Year” Nicola Baggott
We find out more about the work of Brody’s Trust, and why Nicola thinks that the trustee role is so important.