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Charity Board of Trustees: Roles, Responsibilities, and Best Practices
- Julien Haye
- May 19, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 29
Every charity depends on the strength of its board of trustees. Trustees carry ultimate responsibility for governance, finances, and compliance with the Charity Commission, safeguarding public trust and ensuring resources are used wisely. With nearly 924,000 trustee roles registered—and more than 2 million trustees active across the UK—they form one of the largest groups of volunteer leaders in society.
Public confidence makes trusteeship especially important. In 2025, 57% of people said they have high trust in charities, placing them among the most trusted institutions in Britain. Trustees are the guardians of that trust, ensuring charities operate transparently, ethically, and effectively.
For individuals, becoming a trustee is highly rewarding. Research shows that 8 in 10 trustees would recommend the role, highlighting the personal fulfillment and professional development it offers. Many smaller charities also rely entirely on unpaid trustees to combine governance with operational delivery, making their contribution even more vital.
This guide explains the essential roles and responsibilities of a charity board of trustees, outlines best practices for recruitment and training, and provides practical advice on how to become a trustee of a charity. It also explores how trustees work with the Charity Commission to uphold compliance and governance standards.
👉 Not sure where your board stands? Take our Charity Governance Maturity Assessment to benchmark your trusteeship and gain practical insights.
What Is a Charity Trustee?
A charity trustee is a member of the governing body responsible for ensuring that a charity is run effectively, lawfully, and in line with its mission. In England and Wales, trustees are defined by the Charity Commission as “the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run.” This responsibility sits at the heart of every charity board of trustees.
Governance vs. Management
Trustees are guardians of governance, not managers of day-to-day operations. Their role is to:
Set the charity’s strategic direction.
Ensure resources are used wisely and for the public benefit.
Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Safeguard the charity’s reputation and long-term sustainability.
Operational management, by contrast, is typically delegated to staff or volunteers. For example, the Chief Executive may run programmes, oversee fundraising activities, and manage staff. Trustees, meanwhile, provide oversight — holding management accountable and ensuring that all activities align with the charity’s stated purposes and the law.
The distinction between governance and management is vital. Without effective trustees, charities risk mission drift, weak financial control, or regulatory breaches. With engaged trustees, charities benefit from strong leadership, oversight, and accountability — essential qualities for maintaining public trust.
👉 To learn more about the definition and duties of charity trustees, visit the Charity Commission’s official guidance on trustees.
Curious how your charity measures up? Take our free Charity Governance Maturity Assessment and see how your practices compare to sector benchmarks.
What is the role of the Charity Board of Trustees?
The charity board of trustees is the governing body of a charity. Collectively, trustees provide strategic leadership, ensure compliance with the law, and safeguard the organisation’s resources and reputation. While the Chief Executive or senior staff may lead operations, the board of trustees carries ultimate accountability to the Charity Commission and the public.
Core Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees
1. Strategic Direction
Define the charity’s mission and vision.
Set long-term priorities and goals that address the needs of the community.
Regularly review progress and adjust strategy as needed.
2. Financial Oversight
Approve budgets and review financial performance.
Ensure funds are used efficiently and transparently.
Take overall responsibility for the charity’s financial health.
Legal requirement:
"... charities that are required by law to have their accounts audited must make a risk management statement in their trustees’ annual report confirming that ‘…the charity trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage those risks." - source: Charity Commission
3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Comply with laws and regulations that govern charities.
Ensure annual returns, reports, and accounts are filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Monitor governance documents and policies to ensure they remain current.
4. Risk Management
Identify and assess risks that could impact operations, funding, or reputation.
Ensure systems are in place to mitigate risks and respond to crises.
Report risk management practices in the trustees’ annual report when required.
Legal requirement:
“...The responsibility for the management and control of a charity rests with the trustee body and therefore their involvement in the key aspects of the risk management process is essential, particularly in setting the parameters of the process and reviewing and considering the results...” - source: Charity Commission
5. Fundraising and Resource Development
Support fundraising activities and cultivate donor relationships.
Ensure ethical practices in fundraising and appropriate use of funds raised.
6. Oversight of Impact and Performance
Monitor programmes and services to ensure they deliver against the charity’s mission.
Evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive and senior leaders.
The board of trustees is more than a group of advisers. It is the central decision-making body that carries fiduciary responsibility for the charity’s success and sustainability. Trustees ensure that the organisation remains true to its purpose, delivers measurable impact, and maintains public trust.
👉 Next step for boards: Explore our Charity Risk Taxonomy to understand the broader risks trustees must oversee and how to build resilience into your governance framework.
Key Responsibilities of a Charity Trustee
Every charity trustee has both collective and individual responsibilities for ensuring that the charity operates legally, ethically, and effectively. While the board of trustees acts as a single decision-making body, each trustee is personally accountable for the decisions the board makes.
The Charity Commission for England and Wales sets out clear expectations of trustees. Below is a structured overview of the core responsibilities trustees must uphold:
1. Fiduciary Duty
Loyalty: Always act in the best interests of the charity, not for personal gain.
Care: Manage the charity’s resources with skill, diligence, and responsibility.
Integrity: Make impartial decisions and avoid conflicts of interest.
2. Governance and Strategy
Approve and oversee policies that guide the charity’s work.
Set the organisation’s strategic direction and measure progress against goals.
Ensure decisions support the charity’s mission and public benefit.
3. Financial Oversight
Approve budgets and monitor financial performance.
Ensure proper accounting records are kept.
Oversee fundraising activities to guarantee funds are raised ethically and used appropriately.
4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Ensure the charity complies with relevant laws, regulations, and reporting obligations.
File accurate and timely annual returns, accounts, and reports with the Charity Commission trustees portal (read our detailed article on this topic).
Uphold ethical and legal standards in all activities.
5. Resource and People Management
Safeguard and effectively manage assets, property, and investments.
Ensure staff and volunteers are supported, with roles and responsibilities clearly defined.
Approve key appointments, such as the Chief Executive.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
Regularly assess the charity’s performance and impact.
Review the effectiveness of programmes and services.
Adjust strategy when outcomes do not align with mission.
7. Transparency and Accountability
Report openly and accurately to stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and regulators.
Publish annual reports that demonstrate transparency and impact.
Engage stakeholders in decisions that affect them.
8. Risk Management
Identify risks that could harm the charity’s operations, finances, or reputation.
Put systems in place to mitigate risks.
Demonstrate in annual reports how risks are being managed.
9. Decision-Making
Make informed decisions based on evidence, consultation, and impartiality.
Act collectively as a board of trustees, while recognising individual accountability.
10. Leadership and Advocacy
Act as ambassadors for the charity, promoting its mission and values.
Inspire staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to support the organisation.
Raise awareness of the charity’s work and represent it externally.
These responsibilities are not optional — they form the backbone of good governance. Trustees who actively engage in each of these areas protect the charity’s reputation, ensure compliance with the Charity Commission, and build long-term sustainability.
👉 Thinking about your own role as a trustee? Take our Charity Governance Maturity Assessment to benchmark your board’s effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
How to Become a Trustee of a Charity
Serving as a charity trustee is both a privilege and a responsibility. Trustees play a vital role in shaping the future of an organisation, protecting its reputation, and ensuring that it delivers meaningful impact. Many people ask: how do you become a trustee of a charity, and what does the process involve?
Who Can Become a Trustee?
Most adults can become trustees, but there are legal restrictions. The Charity Commission states that individuals may be disqualified if they:
Have unspent convictions for offences such as fraud or dishonesty.
Are undischarged bankrupts or subject to a debt relief order.
Have been disqualified as a company director or previously removed as a trustee.
For most people, however, becoming a trustee is open — charities often welcome diverse perspectives, skills, and lived experiences.
Where to Find Trustee Opportunities
Charity Commission Trustee Vacancies: Many roles are advertised through the Commission’s site.
Specialist Platforms: Websites such as Reach Volunteering or Trustees Unlimited list trustee positions.
Networking and Professional Groups: Opportunities often arise through professional networks or community connections.
Application Process
Identify a charity whose mission aligns with your values and skills.
Submit an application — usually a CV and cover letter outlining your experience and commitment.
Attend an interview or discussion with the board to assess mutual fit.
Provide references and declarations — including a trustee eligibility declaration for the Charity Commission.
Onboarding and Training
Once appointed, new trustees should go through a structured induction process that includes:
Reviewing the charity’s governing documents.
Understanding the charity’s financial situation and key risks.
Completing trustee training (many boards provide governance training or recommend Charity Commission guidance).
Why Become a Trustee?
Impact: Trustees shape strategy and ensure the charity delivers its mission.
Leadership: Gain governance and boardroom experience.
Community: Contribute skills and knowledge to support causes you care about.
Professional Development: Being a trustee can strengthen leadership, risk oversight, and strategic skills.
Best Practices for an Effective Board of Trustees
An effective charity board of trustees doesn’t happen by chance. Strong boards are the result of thoughtful recruitment, continuous development, and regular performance evaluation. Following best practices helps ensure that trustees fulfil their duties while creating a culture of accountability and impact.
1. Recruit with Purpose
Diversity of skills and experience: A balanced board brings together financial, legal, governance, fundraising, and lived-experience perspectives.
Commitment to mission: Trustees should be genuinely invested in the charity’s objectives.
Clarity in expectations: Define responsibilities, attendance standards, and contribution levels during recruitment.
2. Provide Ongoing Training and Development
Deliver regular training on topics such as governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
Encourage trustees to attend sector webinars, workshops, and Charity Commission briefings.
Keep skills current by investing in CPD (continuing professional development).
3. Strengthen Induction and Mentorship
Give new trustees a structured onboarding process covering mission, finances, governance documents, and key risks.
Pair new trustees with experienced board members as mentors to accelerate confidence and contributions.
4. Evaluate Board Performance
Conduct annual self-assessments of the board as a whole.
Review individual trustee performance to ensure meaningful participation.
Set clear goals for board improvement and track progress against them.
5. Build a Culture of Accountability and Transparency
Embed regular reporting to stakeholders, including donors and beneficiaries.
Promote open dialogue at board meetings to encourage challenge and constructive debate.
Ensure decision-making processes are impartial and well-documented.
Trustees are guardians of public trust. Boards that recruit effectively, train continuously, and evaluate their own performance not only meet Charity Commission expectations but also lead their organisations with integrity and impact.
👉 Ready to strengthen your board? Book a consultation with Aevitium to review recruitment, training, and evaluation practices tailored to your charity’s governance needs.
Working with the Charity Commission
The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the regulator of charities. It provides guidance, ensures compliance with charity law, and holds trustees accountable for the effective management of their organisations. For every charity board of trustees, understanding and working effectively with the Commission is essential.
1. Registration and Reporting
Registration: All charities with income above £5,000, and all Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), must register with the Commission.
Annual reporting: Trustees are responsible for filing annual returns, reports, and accounts. These filings are published on the public register, making compliance visible to donors, funders, and the public.
2. Regulatory Compliance
Trustees must ensure the charity complies with relevant laws, including data protection, safeguarding, and fundraising regulations.
The Commission expects boards to keep governing documents and policies up to date.
Failure to comply can lead to official warnings, statutory inquiries, or even trustee disqualification.
3. Trustee Accountability
The Commission emphasises that ultimate responsibility rests with trustees, not staff.
Even if day-to-day management is delegated, trustees remain accountable for compliance, risk oversight, and safeguarding assets.
This accountability includes ensuring risk statements are included in annual reports when required.
4. Support and Guidance
The Charity Commission provides free guidance notes, model policies, and governance frameworks.
Trustees should use these resources to stay informed of regulatory expectations.
Engaging with Commission updates helps boards anticipate changes in reporting or compliance requirements.
Strong engagement with the Charity Commission protects trustees and enhances a charity’s reputation. Compliance demonstrates integrity, transparency, and reliability — all of which build confidence with donors, beneficiaries, and funders.
Why Trustee Leadership Matters
A strong charity board of trustees does more than meet legal obligations. Trustees set the tone for the organisation’s culture, model ethical leadership, and act as ambassadors for the charity’s mission. Their decisions influence not only compliance with the Charity Commission but also how the organisation is perceived by donors, funders, and the wider community.
Trustees as Guardians of Public Trust
Charities exist for the public benefit, and trustees safeguard that trust.
Transparent reporting and strong governance reassure donors and stakeholders that funds are used responsibly.
Public confidence is directly tied to the credibility of the board.
Trustees as Strategic Leaders
Boards ensure the charity remains focused on long-term priorities.
Effective trustees challenge assumptions, anticipate risks, and seize opportunities.
Strategic leadership helps charities adapt to changing environments without losing sight of their mission.
Trustees as Advocates
Trustees represent the charity externally, raising awareness and credibility.
They can use their networks to build partnerships, strengthen fundraising, and influence policy.
Advocacy extends beyond compliance — it demonstrates the board’s commitment to impact and sustainability.
In today’s environment of regulatory scrutiny, funding pressure, and rising expectations of accountability, trustee leadership is a decisive factor in whether charities thrive or struggle. Boards that embrace their leadership role strengthen resilience, build donor confidence, and demonstrate the highest standards of governance.
Conclusion
The strength of a charity board of trustees determines the strength of the charity itself. Trustees carry the legal duty to comply with the Charity Commission, the strategic responsibility to set direction, and the moral obligation to safeguard public trust. When boards lead with diligence and integrity, they build resilience, attract funding, and ensure their charities deliver meaningful impact.
For both current and aspiring trustees, the journey is one of leadership and service. It requires balancing compliance with vision, oversight with accountability, and governance with advocacy. By embracing these responsibilities, trustees ensure that their charities remain transparent, effective, and sustainable.
Next Steps for Trustees and Boards
📊 Benchmark your governance practices with our Charity Governance Maturity Assessment.
🛡️ Explore the Charity Risk Taxonomy to understand the wider risks your board must manage.
📰 Subscribe for weekly insights tailored to trustees and board members.
💬 Book a free consultation to review your board’s governance readiness and strengthen oversight practices.
About the Author: Julien Haye
Managing Director of Aevitium LTD and former Chief Risk Officer with over 26 years of experience in global financial services and non-profit organisations. Known for his pragmatic, people-first approach, Julien specialises in transforming risk and compliance into strategic enablers. He is the author of The Risk Within: Cultivating Psychological Safety for Strategic Decision-Making and hosts the RiskMasters podcast, where he shares insights from risk leaders and change makers.