Recruiting trustees is a critical responsibility for any charity, especially small ones where each trustee’s contribution can significantly impact the charity’s effectiveness and sustainability. The Charity Commission’s guidance CC30: Finding new trustees offers practical advice on how to recruit the right people, ensure good governance, and maintain a diverse and skilled board. Here’s how small UK charities can follow CC30 to strengthen their trustee recruitment process.
Start with a Skills and Experience Audit
CC30 advises charities to begin by identifying the skills and experience currently on the board and where there may be gaps. This is especially important for small charities, where trustees often contribute not just to governance but also to operations. Use a simple skills audit to assess what expertise, such as finance, legal, fundraising, marketing, or lived experience, is needed to support the charity’s objectives.
Define the Role Clearly
One of the key recommendations of CC30 is to produce a clear role description. This helps set expectations from the outset and enables potential candidates to understand the commitment involved. A role description should include responsibilities, estimated time commitment, legal duties under the Charities Act, and any specific skills or experience required. Including a person specification is also helpful in attracting suitable candidates.
Plan and Widen Your Search
According to CC30, relying solely on existing networks or word of mouth can limit diversity and result in a narrow pool of candidates. Charities should plan their recruitment and actively reach out to a wide audience. Advertising trustee roles on websites like Reach Volunteering, Trustees Unlimited, Do-it, or CharityJob can help connect with skilled volunteers. Contacting local community groups, professional associations, or universities can also broaden the pool.
Keep Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Forefront
CC30 emphasises the importance of promoting equality and diversity in trustee recruitment. A diverse board brings a range of perspectives and improves decision-making. Charities should assess whether their board reflects the communities they serve and take active steps to remove barriers to participation, such as providing flexible meeting times or offering induction support to new trustees unfamiliar with charity governance.
Use a Fair and Transparent Process
Small charities should ensure that recruitment is handled fairly and transparently. This may include forming a small recruitment panel, shortlisting against agreed criteria, and holding informal interviews. Candidates should be given clear information about the charity’s work, governance structure, and expectations of trustees.
Support New Trustees
Once appointed, CC30 recommends providing a thorough induction. For small charities, this might include a welcome pack with key documents (governing documents, recent accounts, policies), an introduction to other trustees, and a tour of services. Encouraging trustees to attend Charity Commission training or external webinars also helps develop their knowledge and confidence. At BHP, we offer a comprehensive suite of training sessions for trustees, as well as an annual conference that keeps them up to date with the latest developments in the sector.
Conclusion
Recruiting the right trustees is vital for a small charity’s success and resilience. By following the Charity Commission’s CC30 guidance, charities can approach recruitment strategically, attract a diverse and skilled board, and ensure trustees are well-prepared to govern effectively. A proactive and inclusive recruitment process doesn’t just fill vacancies; it strengthens the charity’s future.
