Reflections and further support
Summary and reflections
Trustee vacancies are a widespread and persistent issue. This is mostly due to recruitment rather than retention challenges. Once in position, trustees tend to remain longer than other volunteers.
Trustee vacancies impact both organisations and individuals. They lead to difficulties in decision-making, following good governance practices, and organisational development.
Vacancies can create stress and anxiety for trustees. Trustees often feel pressured to do extra work. This only gets worse as trustees leave and organisations struggle to find replacements.
But there are steps boards can take to address these challenges.
Improve governance practices
Governance can sometimes seem complicated or feel like a tick box exercise. But having clear structures and processes can streamline recruitment and reduce stress.
Well-governed trustee boards can build a more resilient, inclusive, and impactful charity sector.
Diversify recruitment
By targeting specific groups, organisations can access new talent pools. For example, young people, skilled professionals, or underrepresented communities.
Provide clear role descriptions
You can help trustees understand the role they're committing to by providing clear role descriptions.
Role descriptions should outline the responsibilities, time commitments and skills you need.
Celebrate trustees
As a sector, we need to do more to encourage people to become trustees.
We should celebrate the contributions of trustees to our sector. We can do this by sharing their stories and experiences.
We need to be clear about the benefits of trusteeship. Whether it's personal growth, making a difference, or developing new skills. There is a lot to gain from becoming a trustee.
Help and guidance
We offer help and guidance for trustees at every stage of their governance journey.
Training courses and webinars
We run training courses and webinars for trustees. They cover a variety of topics including fundraising and safeguarding.
Browse upcoming governance training
Consultancy
Our consultancy team can help you tackle governance challenges.
They have experience delivering governance reviews and training for a diverse range of clients. These include well-known national charities and small local community groups.
Learn how our consultancy can help you
Trusted suppliers
Our trusted suppliers can help save your organisation time and money. They provide exceptional value and outstanding quality.
All our suppliers have lots of experience working with voluntary organisations.
