Charity trustees: The unsung heroes

As the title suggests, charity trustees are often seen as the unsung heroes of a charity because they are behind the scenes and not visible in the day-to-day running of the charity or public-facing activities.

At Moore Kingston Smith, we work with over 750 charities, and we also deal with many trustees who play a crucial role in the organisation. They ensure their charity is well governed, financially sound and they drive their mission forward. So, although they may be behind the scenes, their work is very impactful.

Lived experiences

Our nonprofit group includes individuals with lived experience as trustees, and we’d like to share a couple of their stories with you.

Dan Fletcher, Director of our Nonprofit Advisory team, has held a number of trustee roles, including at Rethink Mental Illness, as treasurer for Hertfordshire Natural History Society, co-chair for Sustainable St Albans, and more recently as treasurer for Greening Tetbury and PCC member for St Marys’ Church Tetbury. In each of these roles, a primary motivation has been an interest and involvement in the subject matter of the charity, as well as an opportunity to add value through providing specific skills and knowledge, for example with fundraising, communications and marketing, and governance.

Marcus Lees-Millais, Senior Manager, who works with Dan, has been a co-opted school governor at Green Dragon Primary School for over seven years; including being chair of the strategy committee, vice-chair of the full governing board, the English link governor, a member of the performance and pay panel, as well as numerous other ad hoc roles, including head teacher interview and recruitment.

It has been a chance for Marcus to put his financial skills to use in a school that has a lot of challenges facing it, particularly financial sustainability. ”It mattered to me that I became a governor of a school that actually needed financial support and where I could really make a difference as well as get involved across multiple committees and panels”, said Marcus when asked about why he chose to be a governor specifically at Green Dragon Primary School.

Bringing your own to the role of trustee

Dan comments, “each role is different, but each includes a wide range of colleagues as trustees, and the pleasure of working towards a shared endeavour for the duration of one’s tenure as a trustee. In some roles, I’ve been able to provide guidance, along with the rest of the board to a team of employees. This brings with it the responsibility to carefully manage people’s livelihoods as well as being trusted by donors to use their donated resources properly.

In other roles for smaller charities, as a trustee I wear several hats; that of governance and leadership, as well as that of being a volunteer alongside those who aren’t trustees, giving our time and expertise to achieve the charity’s vision and purpose.”

Marcus echoes this by adding that “being able to bring multiple skills or hats to bear in the role is really important as the need will change over time. My involvement with Green Dragon Primary School has grown over time as I’ve become more invested in the school’s journey, particularly through multiple OFSTED inspections and head teacher tenures. Being able to see and contribute to the school’s improvement over time has been both rewarding and humbling.”

Dan continues, “i would definitely recommend standing as a trustee to someone who is committed to the voluntary sector and has skills to share. The time commitment varies, so it’s important to find a role that fits your lifestyle. It’s also important to be active in bringing your life experience to the role, and not to undersell what you know or how relevant it may be. There are many useful resources from the Charity Commission, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Association of Chairs, and other sector bodies that can equip trustees to really add value and lead their charities and nonprofits well.”

Marcus adds that “the time commitment can be as much as you are willing to let it be but don’t underestimate the time that is needed as a baseline to be an engaged and useful trustee. As Dan has said, don’t be afraid to be bold in your decision making. You have brought your skills to this board, use them! Being a trustee is a privileged position but is also an incredibly rewarding position to be in and is one that you will absolutely get out what you put into it. There are so many different organisations that are clamouring out for new and engaged trustees so no matter your interests or passions there is somewhere for you.”

Final thoughts

We’re proud to work alongside so many committed trustees and to have colleagues who bring their lived experience to the sector. Their stories remind us that trusteeship is not only a responsibility but a deeply rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

So, whether you’re already a trustee or considering becoming one, know that your contribution matters. You may be behind the scenes, but you are never out of the picture.

Want to hear more?

In a previous edition of our popular podcast CharitEpulse, our hosts, who are trustees themselves, share personal insights from their own experiences.