Over the last 13 years working across both Russam and Trustees Unlimited, I have seen first hand how deeply committed we are to maintaining strong internal processes and consistent standards. With teams working in different locations and with each organisation offering a range of recruitment and board leadership solutions, clarity and good practice have always been essential to how we operate.
In earlier years, much of our focus centred on maintaining ISO standards as a formal way to demonstrate that our operations were robust and well managed. I was closely involved in that work for quite some time, and it provided a strong foundation for how we continue to monitor quality today.
For me, moving into the B Corp space felt like the natural next step. The assessment still places importance on operational excellence, but it introduces a wider and more holistic lens. Instead of simply asking whether we are working efficiently, it asks whether we are acting responsibly towards our people, our communities and the environment. That shift brings a different sense of purpose and accountability into the work.
Over the past few years, I have been more directly involved in the B Corp journey for both organisations, and it has been a genuine learning curve. That is exactly what the process is designed to be. We are not striving for perfection, but for continual improvement. Every change, even the smallest one, contributes to a better and more supportive environment. It is a collective effort, and we could not make progress without the commitment and engagement of the entire team.
Trustees Unlimited recently completed its recertification, and Russam will go through the updated standards next year. While we naturally hope to strengthen our score, we also welcome the increased rigour of the new framework. It will challenge us in the right ways and help us remain focused on improvement.
Although Russam has now reached its 40th year and Trustees Unlimited celebrates 16 years, we remain relatively small compared to large corporates. We do not have extensive HR departments or layers of internal infrastructure. Because of that, B Corp offers a truly helpful guide, setting out clear expectations for what responsible business practice and good governance look like.
As a founding UK B Corp, Trustees Unlimited has been committed to the movement since the very beginning. It has been encouraging to see wider recognition of B Corp and to work with an increasing number of certified organisations, including Pixelled Eggs – a valued supplier whose relationship with us grew through this shared community.
For anyone considering the journey, it is important to understand that B Corp certification is a long term commitment. It cannot be completed in a few weeks. It requires time, reflection and a willingness to evolve. But even if certification itself feels out of reach, the B Impact Assessment is an incredibly useful tool. It can guide any organisation – charity, business or not for profit – towards stronger governance and more responsible leadership.
As the movement marks its 10 year milestone in the UK, it feels like the right moment to look ahead. Here is to continuing the journey, strengthening our impact and contributing to the next decade of positive change.
Anna Henderson
Trustees Unlimited / Russam
