Posted: 04/11/2025
Becoming a trustee is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a cause you care about, which can be highly rewarding. Trustee roles are, however, typically voluntary, so it is important to consider whether the role is right for you as it will involve a commitment of time and effort to make a success of the role. This article sets out the crucial points to consider before becoming a trustee.
At first glance, almost anyone can be a trustee. The Charity Commission imposes only two key restrictions:
Age
The minimum age limit to be a trustee of an incorporated charity (a charitable incorporated organisation or company) is 16 years old, and for an unincorporated charity it is 18 years old.
Disqualification
A trustee cannot act if they are disqualified under the Charities Act 2022 (unless this disqualification has been waived).
A charity can also impose its own restrictions on trusteeship including an age requirement or a specific skillset. Importantly, any restrictions on a trustee role must, like any offer of employment, be in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
It is important to consider whether the role suits your own expertise and you can carry it out effectively. Consider, for example:
The type of charitable work
Whilst all trustees serve the public benefit and abide by the same overarching legal duties, the role of a trustee will vary significantly depending on the charity. For example, the daily work of a village hall trustee could be to ensure that the building is kept safe and secure, whereas the work of an animal sanctuary trustee could be to manage adoptions or physically care for animals, and the trustee of a larger international charity might be mainly attending meetings to oversee strategic developments and supporting fundraising efforts. Before taking on a trustee role, think about the type of work you want to do and then find a charity which aligns with your preference.
The charity's size
A trustee role can vary considerably depending on the size of the charity. In a larger charity, a trustee's role may involve sitting on a board and making fewer, mainly strategic decisions; they may never work directly with the beneficiaries. If the beneficiaries are greater in number or have complex requirements, this may result in a higher administrative burden and greater management responsibilities for the trustees.
In a smaller charity, a trustee may take on multiple roles; for example in a community based charity they may take on more mundane, but nonetheless crucial, activities to ensure the charity continues to run on a daily basis.
Time
Ensuring that the time needed to carry out the role and the time you are willing to give are aligned is crucial. A new trustee must consider whether they will be able to act in the best interests of the charity, whilst also potentially juggling multiple roles such as work and family life.
Skills
You should consider how your skills align with the specific trustee role. Is there a gap in the current trustee board? Do you have a breadth of knowledge about the subject matter which the charity serves? Are you retired and therefore able to be more present and available to serve the charity? Trustees, whatever their role, must work together to manage the charity and share accountability for its success and its failings.
Conflicts of interest
Charity Commission guidance sets out that a trustee must avoid situations where their duty to the charity conflicts with personal interests and loyalty so that all trustees can prioritise the charity's needs over their own.
Community and networking
One of the benefits of becoming a trustee is meeting interesting new people and the ability to take on new opportunities. Trusteeship allows you to be a part of a new group and enhance a sense of community.
Philanthropy
60% of trustees report that they feel as though they positively impact the world.
Skills and knowledge
66% of trustees reported that one of the major benefits of their charity roles is that it allows them to use existing skills in a new context. Taking on a trustee role could allow you to prosper in your career as well as in the trustee role.
To thrive as a trustee, you must act in accordance with charity law and the wide-ranging Charity Commission guidance which is easily available on its website. Ultimately, the trustee must always act in the best interests of the charity.
Being a trustee is not without its challenges; however, when the role is approached with care and skill, it should be a very rewarding experience. As Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth explained 'whilst it is a significant responsibility, it is also a hugely rewarding way to have an impact on something you care about'.
For more advice on taking on a trustee role, sites such as Reach, Charity Job, or your local county volunteering site are great resources.
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