What's it like being a trustee? And what can we do to make charity boards more diverse? Glyn Sheldon talks to CFG trustee Tim Nicholls to find out.
It's Trustees' Week (4-8 November) - the time when we celebrate the invaluable contributions that trustees make to UK charities. Often working behind the scenes, trustees play a critical role in shaping the future of charitable organisations.
We spoke to Tim Nicholls, who has been a trustee at CFG for the past two years. Tim shares what he gets out of the role and explains why board diversity counts.
Tim is currently Head of Finance and Resources at Tudor Trust, a large grant-making charity based in London. He has held senior finance positions within the charity sector for more than ten years. Before moving to the charity sector, Tim enjoyed a successful career in the NHS.
Throughout the last decade, Tim has held several trusteeships and says the main highlight at CFG as "seeing the organisation continue to strengthen and to provide a valuable service to the sector during what has been a difficult period”.
The role of a trustee
According to Tim: "In addition to the legal and regulatory responsibilities, the role of a trustee is to bring knowledge and experience gained elsewhere to the table, and to provide support to the staff team."
Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of a charity. They ensure that the organisation is well-governed, financially sound, and delivers on its mission. They also play a crucial role in safeguarding the charity's assets and reputation.
Tim also added that trustees can contribute to the long-term sustainability of a charity by “ensuring that they understand how current actions, trends and plans will impact on the future”.
The value of diversity on boards
A diverse board brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the table. As Tim explains, "different perspectives and experiences will mean better quality decisions can be reached."
A diverse board can:
- Improve decision-making: A range of viewpoints can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
- Increase engagement: A diverse board can connect with a wider range of stakeholders.
Encouraging others to become trustees
If you're considering becoming a trustee, Tim offers some straight-up advice: "Go for it! It’s a very rewarding thing to do and everyone has something to offer."
Charities can take steps to diversify their boards by:
- Reviewing recruitment practices: Ensure that recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible.
- Providing training and support: Offer training and mentoring to help new trustees develop their skills.
- Promoting the role of trustees: Highlight the benefits of trusteeship and encourage diverse individuals to apply.
By encouraging diversity and promoting the benefits of trusteeship, we can ensure that charities continue to have strong and effective boards that drive positive change.
Related content
Guide: Essential Charity Finance for Trustees of Small Charities
Generational diversity: how diverse is your board?
Charity Commission's 5-minute guides for charity trustees
OSCR: Guidance and Good Practice for Charity Trustees (PDF)