Charity trustee recruitment

Charity trustees are central to the success of a charity, being responsible for the overall direction, strategy and vision of the organisation. It is therefore imperative that trustees are effective both individually and collectively if they are to have a positive impact on the charity and enable the organisation to fulfil its charitable objects. Inherent in building and maintaining an effective board of trustees is having robust systems for recruitment, appointment and induction of trustees, backed up by ongoing support and development.

This guidance note has been written to provide those responsible for or involved in the governance of a charity with detailed information on how to recruit and appoint charity trustees. The guidance will be of interest to new and existing charity trustees and members of the senior management team (where they exist), especially the charity secretary or governance professional.

To recruit successfully, it is essential that all involved know exactly what the legal role and duties of trustees are. The Charities Act 2011 defines trustees as ‘…The persons having the general control and management of the administration of a charity’ (s.177).

As the Charity Governance Code states, every charity should be ‘headed by an effective board that provides strategic leadership in line with the charity’s aims and values’. For trustees to be able to fulfil this role it is crucial that the board has the skills, experience, background and knowledge required for the effective administration of the charity in pursuit of its objects.

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