Ever Wanted To Be A Charity Trustee?

Over here on Smiley News, we write a lot about what the leaders in the charity sector are up to, but we haven’t really touched on the committee that is largely behind the scenes – the trustees. 

Let’s also be very frank about the fact that many trustee boards are not diverse. With statistics showing that the average age is 57, charities are making deliberate efforts to have a wider representation leading our nonprofit sector. 

It may seem a bit serious (because it is), but it’s also an opportunity to make a real difference, pick up valuable skills and shape causes you care about; think of it as a leveled up volunteering role. Read below to get to know more. 

What Does a Trustee Do?

In short: a trustee is part of the group that governs a charity – they help steer the organisation, make sure it’s well-run, use resources wisely, and stay true to its mission. It’s not about day-to-day running (usually), but about oversight and direction.

Go here to find out more. 

Why It Matters

1. You get to influence something meaningful.
   As a trustee you’re part of decisions that affect real people and communities. That means your voice matters.
2. It’s a powerful CV boost.
   Experience as a trustee shows leadership, responsibility, ethics – all things highly valued both in further study and in job applications.
3. Boards need fresh voices.
   The average trustee in England & Wales is 55-64 years old, and more than half are retired. Additionally, only 8% of trustees are from ethnic minority backgrounds despite being 14% of the population. That means that many voices are under-represented — and your perspective could be exactly what a charity needs.

Why Younger Trustees Are Especially Needed

• New skills and mindset. Young people often bring digital savvy, social-media fluency, fresh ideas – things many boards could use more of.
• Better representation. Charities serve broad demographics; if their leadership doesn’t include younger adults, they risk missing out on understanding what younger people feel and need.
• Future-proofing. You’ll gain experience now and position yourself as someone who shapes organisations – not just works for them.
   

What You Should Ask Yourself Taking the Role

• What’s the time commitment? (It can range from a few hours a month to significantly more.)
• What’s expected: reading reports, attending meetings, supporting fundraising, etc?
• Are you comfortable with the legal responsibilities (yes — there are some)?
• Will you be supported (training, mentoring) so you don’t feel lost as the “new kid”?
   

Here Are Some Resources That Can Help You With Beginning Your Journey in Becoming a Charity Trustee?

Sculpt’s Trust in You – The Trustee Training Programme

Using the fact that 3% of trustees are under 30, Sculpt developed this programme to introduce young people to the role of being a trustee, equipping them with leadership and governance skills over a 6 week programme. 

Directory of Social Change’s Trustee Training

DSC has a range of online courses and booster sessions on the essentials for charity trustees. Need help on governance? They have that covered. Want to better understand the financial side? They have this too. All is to help charity trustees do the best job possible 

Charity Check-in

At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post. 

Reach Volunteering. A UK-based charity connecting skilled volunteers with charities and social enterprises in need of expertise, from digital to governance. Find out more.

The Social Society. A UK social enterprise that mobilises volunteers to support local community projects, combining social impact with real-world connection. Learn more.

Royal Voluntary Service. For more than 85 years, this charity has been inspiring Britain to volunteer and contribute to their community. Explore their work.

This article aligns with the SDG Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Partnerships for the Goals.