Celebrating Trustees’ Week: championing their vital role within charities
Insight
Shining a spotlight on Trustees’ Week
Each November, Trustees’ Week – a national campaign supported by the Charity Commission – recognises the vital role played by the nearly one million charity trustees across the UK. It highlights the achievements and importance of those who volunteer their time and skills to govern charities.
Trustees are the backbone of the charity sector. As we celebrate Trustees’ Week 2025, we honour their commitment and champion the value they bring to the charity sector.
At Farrer & Co, many of us serve as trustees of charities. We are proud to share some experiences of colleagues who volunteer their time, professional expertise and life experience to their charities.
We also work with many incredible charity trustees in our work advising charities, giving us the opportunity to see first-hand the fantastic work they do and their dedication they bring to their responsibilities.
Charity trustees: role, responsibilities and impact
Charity trustees play an essential role in governing charities. They are the stewards of the charity sector, ensuring charities are well-run, effective, and accountable.
Trustees' responsibilities include setting strategic direction, monitoring legal compliance, managing resources, and making key decisions that affect beneficiaries and communities.
Most charity trustees are unpaid volunteers, who dedicate time, expertise, and judgement to causes that matter to them. The impact of their work is often seen in thriving projects, secure finances, and ever-increasing impact. The role, while challenging, is deeply rewarding and essential to the sector.
Insights from Farrer & Co trustees: personal experiences
Research into trusteeship shows that trustees are overwhelmingly likely to recommend trusteeship to others.
We asked several of our colleagues at Farrer & Co to share their experiences as charity trustees – what motivates them, what they have learned, and advice for others considering the role.
Their insights reflect the breadth of opportunities and the personal fulfilment that comes with trusteeship:
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Associate, Private Client
Having been on the lookout for a charity role in her local area, Alexandra became a trustee of Stroud Women's Refuge (Beresford Group) in 2023. The charity provides accommodation and support services to women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse, helping them to live safer, happier lives. The role has given Alexandra important insights into how the charity sector operates and improved her skills in problem-solving and working as a team. She is particularly proud of the part she played in reaching an important strategic decision on the future growth of the charity's refuges. |
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Senior Counsel, Trusts & Estates
Henrietta is a trustee of Hampshire Medical Fund, a charity that raises funds to purchase cutting-edge medical equipment for Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover Hospitals that is outside the scope of NHS budgets. Describing herself as "very engaged" with the charity, Henrietta thrives on the "sense of purpose and fulfilment that comes from providing vital equipment to our local hospitals". Her most memorable experience to date has been assisting in organising a fundraising disco party for 400 children: "The event was fun, and we beat our target, raising enough money to buy three pieces of equipment for the paediatric department at Winchester Hospital." |
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Knowledge Lawyer, Charity & Community
Adrian has been the chair of trustees of 1st Bishop's Waltham (St Peter's) Scout Group for five years. The charity provides Scouting activities to young people in and around Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, preparing them with skills for life. "I strongly encourage anyone looking to give back to, or get more involved in, their local community to become a charity trustee. The role can be challenging, pushing you outside your comfort zone, but incredibly rewarding. |
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Partner, Private Client & Responsible Business
Alexandra is a trustee of Farms for City Children, which was founded 49 years ago by Clare and Michael Morpurgo to give inner city children from deprived areas the chance to experience life on a working farm. The charity's three farms provide week-long residentials for children and young people which offer a transformative experience, with rewards that last long after they have returned home. Alexandra said about the charity: "I came across the work it does and was so bowled over by how impactful it is for each child that visits. There is a magic that's hard to describe or evidence – without visiting a farm – which each child gets from their time there – and the effect you see is a real increase in confidence that is long-term. Having seen it, I just felt compelled to support that work in any way that I could. For me, trusteeship felt the most meaningful thing that I could offer." |
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Partner, Employment
Kathleen has been a trustee of The Park Theatre, in Finsbury Park, London since 2023. "Kathleen joined the trustee board to provide specialist input on employment and safeguarding issues. She was drawn to the role as a theatre lover who believes in the positive impact theatre can have on young people and the local community generally." |
Get involved: become a charity trustee
If trusteeship is something that you're interested in but are yet to have the opportunity to pursue, we've set out below some of the first steps recommended by the Charity Commission. You don't need previous boardroom experience – charities are looking for a mix of skills and expertise and are keen to welcome trustees from diverse backgrounds.
- Identify causes you are passionate about and research charities seeking trustees. Many advertise vacancies on their websites, social media, and platforms like Reach Volunteering , Trustees Unlimited or Charity Job. Your local Council for Voluntary Service may also have an online trustee finder (see NAVCA). For trustees opportunities in Wales, see Volunteering Wales.
- Reach out to charities for an informal conversation – they should provide support and induction for new trustees. We provide free online training for new and experienced trustees.
- Consider the skills you can offer – whether it’s finance, HR, legal, lived experience, or simply a willingness to learn and contribute.
- Understand the legal duties and governance responsibilities. Plenty of resources are available to guide you, such as the Charity Commission's Charity trustee welcome pack and 5-minute guides.
The benefits of trusteeship are numerous: the satisfaction of making a difference, the chance to develop new skills, and the opportunity to broaden your network and perspective. Charities need people like you.
For more advice or resources, see Trustees' Week: Become a charity trustee or please get in touch with a member of our Charity & Community team.
This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
© Farrer & Co LLP, November 2025
