The Charity Commission has refreshed its trustee recruitment guidance (CC30) to help charities connect with a wider range of candidates and remove common barriers to becoming a trustee.
This update follows research by the regulator and think tank Pro Bono Economics, which revealed that only 6% of trustees applied for their role via an advert. In contrast, over half of charities relied on personal contacts to recruit new trustees, potentially limiting diversity and missing out on valuable skills.
Key Takeaways for Charities:
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Undertake a skills audit to identify what your board needs now and in the future.
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Develop a clear role description for trustees. Keep it under review and separate essential requirements from areas that can be developed on the job.
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Widen your recruitment pool by advertising through social media or using trustee recruitment services.
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Plan a thorough induction for all new trustees. Discuss what information and training they need to become confident and effective in their role.
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Prioritise diversity. A well-rounded board brings together a mix of skills, sector knowledge, lived experience, and local insight, helping to strengthen governance and decision-making.
You can read the full updated guidance here: Finding new trustees (CC30)
If you’d like support with trustee recruitment or governance, please contact our Core Services team on 0191 323 2040 or email: development@voda.org.uk
