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
Latest Governance Blogs
Governance Blog: Updated Guidance on Reporting Serious Incidents
The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on reporting serious incidents to reflect changes under the Charities Act 2022. This updated advice is essential reading for trustees and charity leaders to ensure compliance and maintain transparency. The duty to report The Charity Commission requires charities to report serious incidents promptly, fully and honestly. If such […]
Welcoming New Trustees: Five Practical Tips for a Strong Start
As the new year gets underway, our latest Governance Blog focuses on an important but sometimes overlooked aspect of good governance: giving new trustees a genuinely warm and supportive welcome. Why does this matter? Trustees who feel valued and well supported from the outset are far more likely to stay engaged and contribute effectively. Putting […]
Charity Governance Code: Key Updates for 2025
The Charity Governance Code has been refreshed for 2025, introducing clearer principles, updated indicators of success and strengthened guidance for trustees and chairs. Our Governance Advisor outlines the most important changes and what they mean for organisations moving forward. Read the full summary and access the updated Code.
Celebrating Trustees Week 2025
In our latest Governance Blog, we are flying the flag for trustees this Trustees’ Week 2025. Trustees’ Week is an annual celebration of the work of trustees across the UK and each year the theme is to celebrate, support and inspire. Without trustees volunteering their time and expertise, most voluntary organisations simply couldn’t operate. They […]
Data Use and Access Act 2025: What It Means for Your Organisation
The Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA) updates UK data protection law. It is designed to help organisations use personal data responsibly while protecting people’s rights. Most of the changes give organisations more flexibility, rather than adding new legal duties. The Act updates the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. It does […]
Understanding the New Civil Society Covenant
The UK Government’s Civil Society Covenant, published this summer, sets out principles to guide stronger partnerships between government and civil society. For charities, social enterprises, faith groups, unions, funders and community organisations, it’s a reminder of the vital role they play in society and how government can work alongside them rather than expect them to […]