In today’s dynamic charity sector, trusteeship is emerging as more than a voluntary responsibility – it is a platform for personal growth, community connection and career enrichment. Recent research undertaken by the Charity Commission in collaboration with Pro Bono Economics (social sector-based research), shines a light on the invaluable role trustees play and the benefits they gain from their service.
In our experience, trustee recruitment can be challenging, and many people tend to rely on their personal and professional networks. However, we’ve recently seen an increase in the number of trustee roles successfully filled through adverts, particularly on websites dedicated to trustee recruitment. Exploring a range of approaches is key to building a well-rounded board with the necessary skills and expertise. If you’d like any support with this, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The wide-ranging benefits of Trusteeship
The research reveals that trustees gain much more than the satisfaction of contributing to a cause; they gain personal and professional enrichment that resonates well beyond board meetings. An impressive 80% of trustees would recommend the role to others. A lot of respondents reported that their experience has helped them in creating a positive impact on society, whilst also enabling them to foster a stronger feeling of belonging within their community or movement. Even though trusteeship requires a substantial commitment, just 1% of those surveyed expressed reluctance to recommend this volunteer role.
Insights into Board Dynamics and Decision Making
Trusteeship lies at the heart of effective charity governance, with the survey revealing that the vast majority of trustees feel their contributions are both respected and valued. With 94% affirming that their input is heard during board meetings, and most feeling supported by their fellow board members and by the organisation’s staff and volunteers, it is clear that many boards function as environments of mutual respect and shared purpose.
Moreover, 95% of respondents reported a strong grasp of their roles and responsibilities, which reinforces the idea that well-informed trusteeship is key to sound decision making. However, the findings also suggest that, while trustees are generally confident in their roles, there is room to enhance board composition (particularly with legal expertise) to better meet the varied challenges faced by modern charities.
Diversity and Recruitment
Trustee boards reflect a cross-section of society, though certain trends stand out. Older individuals currently dominate trustee roles, even though trusteeship is open to all adults. Within the demographic breakdown, notable distinctions emerge in the under 60 age group, a higher proportion of trustees are Black, while slightly fewer are of Asian descent. For trustees above 60, the only significant discrepancy is a lower representation of Asian trustees.
This broad demographic but somewhat uneven representation highlights an opportunity to build even richer boards by tapping into a more diverse talent pool. Recruitment is largely driven by existing networks, with a substantial proportion of trustees being invited to join boards either through the chair or through fellow board members or internal nominations. Only a very small percentage responded to open adverts, indicating that many charities rely on personal referrals rather than formal recruitment processes.
Governance Trends and Future Potential
A shift in the gender balance over recent years signals positive change, with the percentage of female trustees rising from 36% in 2017 to 43% in 2024. Although leadership positions such as chair and treasurer still skew male, gender parity is more pronounced in roles like vice chair and secretarial positions.
Trustees shape decisions that are central to the sector’s success. Charity work underpins a significant segment of the UK economy, contributing £17.8 billion and providing a framework for nearly 900,000 voluntary roles.
Conclusion
Trusteeship in England and Wales is not only about governance, it is about harnessing diverse skills, experiences and perspectives to strengthen the charitable sector and drive societal change. The research clearly indicates that trustees find profound personal satisfaction and professional development in their roles. As charities continue to rely on the invaluable insights of their trustees, policymakers and sector leaders are equipped with the data needed to support and expand this essential volunteer force.
You can find the full report here. If you would like to discuss any of the findings of this research in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Charities team.
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Disclaimer
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend seeking professional advice before taking any action on the information provided. If you would like to discuss your specific circumstances, please feel free to contact us on 0800 2800 421.
