Behind all charities and voluntary organisations, large and small, are a group of people who are responsible for the organisation – these people are the trustees. They may also be known as the management committee, board members, or simply referred to as ‘the board’ – they all mean the same thing. The great majority of trustees serve as volunteers and receive no payment for their work.
What does a trustee do?
Trustees are legally and financially responsible for an organisation. They carry out a range of roles and duties to ensure that the organisation runs well. Trustees make the major decisions affecting the charity and are responsible for setting the strategic direction of its work.
Why volunteer as a trustee?
Volunteering as a trustee is a great way to use your skills and experience to make a difference to an organisation or a cause you care about. You will need to commit time and responsibility to your trustee duties but the rewards are enormous.
“I get to make a positive contribution to my community”
“Now I’m retired, I still get to use my skills and experience”
“For me, it’s a great way to gain management experience and develop my skills”
How do I become a trustee?
Local organisations are often looking to recruit new board members, of all ages (over 18) and from a wide range of backgrounds. Look out for roles advertised through VODA’s Trustee Vacancy section, on Get Volunteering and on the Volunteer Centre North Tyneside Facebook or contact us directly to register your interest.
VODA offers training for new and existing trustees, on specific and general roles, and for groups of trustees and management committees on topics including Roles and Responsibilities, Effective Meetings and more. Visit our Training section or get in touch for more information.
Support and training for trustees
VODA offers a wide range of support for new and existing trustees through our Support for Trustees section, including:
- Quarterly in‑person training on Trustee Roles & Responsibilities
- Free online introductory training via our Elements Portal (roles of Chair/Secretary/Treasurer, governing documents, good governance and more)
- Downloadable guidance, information sheets and toolkits
- Case studies, FAQs and governance blogs
- Advice and one‑to‑one support for individuals and boards
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