Recruitment and Retention: Trustees’ Week 2025

As charities face increasing demand and complexity, building strong, diverse, and resilient boards is essential, which makes the theme of this year’s Trustees’ week “Recruitment and retention” very fitting.

As a starting point, always ensure to read the Governing document of your charity, to ensure the number of trustees doesn’t breach the rules, to check whether there are any time limits on length of service and to follow the correct methods of appointment.

Recruitment: Attracting the Right People

Finding trustees isn’t just about filling seats, it’s about finding the right mix of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences to guide your charity forward.

• It may be required to reach beyond the traditional networks. Consider advertising on platforms like Reach Volunteering, Trustee Finder and LinkedIn, as well as contacting local community groups and youth networks.
• Many people either don’t realise they’re eligible to be trustees or have never even considered it as an option. Use plain language to explain what trustees do, what’s expected, and how their contribution makes a difference.
• Consider shadowing opportunities, co-opted roles, or advisory positions for those unsure about committing fully, as these can often be stepping stones to full trusteeship.
• Identify any skills, experience or knowledge gaps within your current board of trustees, as this may enable you to focus the search down a specific route. It is important to ensure that the board covers a range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Retention: Supporting Trustees to Thrive

Once trustees join, the focus shifts to keeping them engaged, informed, and appreciated.

• A warm welcome, clear induction, and access to resources (like the Charity Commission’s guidance) set the tone for a successful term.
• Offer regular training, peer learning, and opportunities to attend sector events. Trustees who grow in their role are more likely to stay and contribute meaningfully.
• Encourage open communication, celebrate milestones, and create space for trustees to bond – a cohesive board is a resilient board.

Get In Touch

For more information or advice on the support, advice and guidance that we offer Charities and Not For Profits, contact your local Whitings LLP office today.

Disclaimer - All information in this post was correct at time of writing.