Scotland currently has over 250,000 charity trustees, and it is interesting, rewarding work. The groups they help range from sports clubs and Scout packs to nationally known charities.
The Trustees’ Week theme this year, 'making a difference in changing times' is particularly relevant as the sector faces the current economic challenges. For charities to be in a strong position to continue to offer the help and services that they do, it is important they retain and support trustees as well as recruit new trustees who can bring fresh skills to the charity sector.
Being a charity trustee is a wonderful way to feel good as well as do good. But to perform their roles effectively, trustees need the right help and support.
The need to support trustees is especially relevant for charities trying to diversify their boards. Benefits of attracting younger trustees on a board include using their ability to engage with different supporters, the fresh ideas that they can bring and to harness the power of digital. However, they will still need to get up to speed with their legal and governance responsibilities.
Many of the team here at Lindsays are charity trustees themselves, and we recommend it to support causes close to your heart. With basic training and good board support, you can make sure you are performing your role as effectively as possible.
Lynsey Kerr (Partner in our Private Client team) is a trustee for LifeCare, an Edinburgh charity supporting elderly people both at home and at its day clubs which are held in the local community.
Lynsey explains, “I have been a trustee for LifeCare for over five years and would wholeheartedly recommend such a role to friends and colleagues. My role allows me to support my local community and provides an opportunity to meet and network with people in different fields of work. It can also provide a chance for fellow colleagues to support the charity with any legal needs.”
How can you support?
As a starting point, OSCR has excellent guidance for trustees on its website, at https://www.oscr.org.uk. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) also provides excellent information for new and existing trustees.
By visiting the Trustee Week’s website you can find useful resources and online webinars. Read first-hand the personal stories of new Trustees and get involved in over fifty events all taking place this week.
