Charity Digital - How to fill Gaps on your Trustee Board, September 2023

Newscaster Charity Digital takes a look at various aspects of Trustee recruitment, and how charities can make sure they have that much-needed variety of skills and experience on their Trustee Board.

It is said the key to a successful Board of Trustees that can meet a charity’s needs is a good mix of different characteristics and practical skills.

But for some charities, it can be a challenge to work out what the ideal combination is supposed to look like.

In most cases, it pays for a charity to evaluate their board, to make sure they have the right people in place so that it can work effectively. This is especially important when a Trustee chooses to step down from their role.

Getting that ‘right’ combination of people would depend on the charity’s purpose, their vision and current strategy.

The demands on the charity and the landscape they serve and deliver to can also change over time, so recruiting on a like-for-like basis isn’t seen to be the best approach anymore.

Charities should also make sure they are making full use of all the skillset and expertise represented on their current board.

There might be members who are prepared to take on more responsibility in the future, so upskilling them could be part of a charity’s plan for success going forward.

The Right Stuff
A Board of Trustees should have many general skills which help with the day-to-day running of a charity, as well as for the charity’s long-term capabilities and survival.

From hard skills like financial knowledge, legal expertise, communications, and fundraising, to soft skills like problem-solving, analytical skills and negotiation. Each ability has its own merit and value.

Not only should a charity have these skillsets covered, but they should also possess the relevant knowledge and experience that is specific to that charity’s cause (and the challenges it may face in the future).

Newscaster Charity Digital covers the topic of Trustee recruitment and more in their guidance on how to identify gaps, recruit Trustees, and remove barriers that prevent people from taking on these roles.

From identifying a Board’s skillsets and where to find new trustees; to Removing the barriers to becoming a Trustee, they offer advice on finding the particular skills or type of experience needed for a charity’s Trustee Board.

To read the guidance, visit the Charity Digital website.

MVA also offer further help and guidance on the recruitment of Trustees as well as volunteers in the Organisations section of their website.

Calling all Trustees

Marking the launch of our new VCSEF infrastructure contract, MVA is holding a Trustee Seminar on Thursday 22^nd February (17.00-19.00).
This session will be tailored to the needs and priorities of local trustees and delivered by Susan Robinson, Partner Accounts & Audit, Head of Charities & NFP, Kreston Reeves LLP.

To have your say about what the session should cover, we are asking local trustees to please complete this short survey: https://forms.gle/ewQtN3y2yDfZMFT39

You can also secure your space on this session by clicking here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/medway-voluntary-action/t-jzmrlqv.
This Trustees Seminar is limited to 30 spaces, so book now to secure your place.