Trustees’ Week In Sefton

4th – 8th November 2024

Trustees’ Week is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of trustees across Sefton. Taking place annually, this year Trustees’ Week runs from the 4th-8th November and is a chance for us to thank them for the time, commitment and effort they bring to their charities to help them thrive.

Trustees are an essential part of the voluntary and charity sector. They ensure that a charity is doing what it was set up to do and decide how they are run. All charities need trustees and without their essential commitment many charities could not carry on.

Read on to find out more about how you could become a trustee. If you are looking for your next trustee role then click below…

Search for Trustee Roles

What is it like being a trustee?

What is life like for a trustee? We interview the Secretary of Jacob Billington Trust, Oliver Spence.

Young Trustees

Becoming a young trustee for a charity in the UK offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and positive social impact.  Here are five reasons why becoming a young trustee can enhance your life.

  1. Develop Leadership Skills – Gain valuable experience in governance, decision-making, and strategy.
  2. Make a Social Impact – Contribute directly to causes you care about and drive positive change.
  3. Bring Fresh Perspectives – Offer insights that help charities better engage with younger generations.
  4. Grow Your Network – Connect with professionals and expand your career opportunities.
  5. Enhance Your CV – Boost your personal and professional growth with unique skills and responsibilities.

Trustee FAQs

What is a trustee of a charity?

Depending on what the charity does, a trustee could be making a difference to their local community or to the wider society. Essentially, trustees have overall control of a charity, are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do and decide how a charity is run.

Trustees can go by many names such as directors, board members, governors and committee members. Whatever name they go by, trustees have six main duties which include:

  1. Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
  2. Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law
  3. Act in the charity’s best interest
  4. Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
  5. Act with reasonable care and skill
  6. Ensure the charity is accountable

Can anyone be a trustee of a charity?

There are certain criteria that all trustees have to adhere to be eligible such as:

  • Anyone applying to be a trustee must be a minimum of 16 years old to be a trustee of a charity that is a company or a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)
  • Trustees must be 18 years + to be a trustee of any other sort of charity.
  • Trustees must be appointed following the procedures and any restrictions in the charity’s governing document.

A trustee cannot be appointed if they:

  • Are bankrupt or have an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA)
  • Have an unspent conviction for certain offences (including any that involve dishonesty or deception)
  • Are on the sex offenders’ register

How do I find Trustee roles?

The best way to find trustee roles in Sefton is to search our website for ‘trustee’ or to sign up to our mailing list so you can keep up to date on the latest opportunities.