Recruiting charity trustees has long been a challenge, but recent research suggests the scale of the problem may be even greater than many in the sector realised. A new survey, highlighted by Civil Society in its article Most people would not consider being a charity trustee, research finds, shows that the majority of people would not consider taking on the role at all.
According to the study, just 6% of respondents said they would consider becoming a trustee. In contrast, 53% of the 1,000 people surveyed said they would definitely (30%) or probably (24%) not consider it. While trustee recruitment has been recognised as difficult for some time, these findings are particularly stark.
The article suggests that this lack of enthusiasm largely stems from a limited understanding of what being a trustee actually involves. Only 35% of those surveyed knew that trustees are unpaid volunteers. Other commonly cited barriers included being time‑poor (32%), perceived lack of skills or experience (31%), and concerns about legal responsibility (28%).
Although these findings may feel discouraging, they also present an opportunity. They highlight practical areas where boards can take action if trustee recruitment is a challenge for their organisation. In particular, boards should consider prioritising the following:
Demystify the trustee role
Can you do more to explain what trustees actually do? Talking openly about the role on a week‑by‑week or month‑by‑month basis can make it feel more realistic and approachable.
Provide strong training and support
A clear and supportive induction process can make a significant difference. This might include a comprehensive induction pack, access to relevant training, and a buddy or mentoring arrangement for new trustees.
Explain legal responsibilities clearly
Concerns about legal responsibility can be a major deterrent. Clear, accessible training can help to address this. For example, VODA’s Roles and Responsibilities of the Trustee training course will run again on 5 June 2026 and can be booked here. You can view all upcoming training on our training calendar.
Offer flexibility and modern ways of working
Many potential trustees are balancing busy lives. Exploring flexible governance arrangements, such as hybrid meetings, can help make trusteeship more accessible.
If you would like further support with trustee recruitment or strengthening governance more broadly, please contact VODA on 0191 323 2040 or email development@voda.org.uk.
