While trustee roles are unpaid, they do offer rich opportunities in terms of learning and development.
These may include…
- Leadership development – you’ll get to contribute to strategic decision-making, which can boost confidence and leadership ability in certain situations. Trusteeship also exposes you to governance principles, legal responsibilities, and ethical considerations, which are transferable and applicable to various leadership contexts.
- Sector knowledge – trustees gain insight into the inner workings of the nonprofit or charitable sector. This understanding can be advantageous if you plan to pursue a career in this field or if you’re already part of it.
- Advocacy and public speaking – engaging with stakeholders and representing the charity can hone your advocacy and public speaking skills, which are valuable in many aspects of work and life.
- Learning and training – charities often provide training opportunities for trustees. These can include workshops on financial management, governance, and leadership, adding to your skill set.
- Board leadership roles – as you gain experience as a trustee, you might progress to leadership roles within the board, such as chair or vice-chair. These roles offer increased responsibility and visibility.
- Building a portfolio – if you’re considering a career change or enhancing your CV, trusteeship demonstrates your commitment to leadership, community engagement, and social responsibility.
Hear first-hand from Kate what it’s like to volunteer as a trustee
After 30 years working in the Civil Service, Kate Caulkin found the right trustee role for her by joining Trustee Unlimited’s Step On Board Programme (which we’ll explain more about below).
