What Being a New Trustee has Taught Me
How I found my confidence as a trustee, and why our Board Building Fund can help others do the same
Having worked in the charity sector for more than 20 years, I had spent plenty of time sitting on one side of the table at board meetings. I understood what a trustee meeting looked like, but I had never actually been a trustee myself.
Working for Wirral CVS as Volunteer Programme Manager reminded me that volunteering really is something everyone should have the opportunity to do. It is a great way to contribute to something you care about, but it can also be a brilliant way to develop new skills and experiences.
So when I saw an advert from Koala Northwest looking for a trustee with experience of supporting volunteers, it caught my attention. The fact that their board meetings were held in the evening meant I could fit the role around my work, and it felt like a great opportunity to step into a more strategic volunteering role while developing my own skills.
So, I decided to give it a go.
Preparing for my first board meeting
Before I started, I wanted to make sure I understood what I was taking on. I read some of the Charity Commission guidance and completed some e-learning to get a better understanding of the responsibilities of a trustee.
Some of it felt quite daunting at first. There is a lot to take in and, when you are new to trusteeship, it can be easy to think that everyone else already knows what they are doing.
I then attended our trustee training workshop facilitated by Zel in our capacity team, which made everything feel a lot less daunting. Going through some cases studies and speaking with others who were considering becoming a trustee, or had just started helped a lot.
I wanted to feel prepared when I attended my first board meeting, and I was still concerned I didn’t know enough. As it turned out, I didn't need to worry quite so much.
I certainly wasn't expected to understand everything straight away. I am really glad I did some independent learning beforehand, though, because it gave me a foundation and helped me feel more confident about asking questions.
Finding my confidence around the table
When I started, I completely expected to be the least knowledgeable person around the table and probably the person with the least to say. Quite quickly, though, I found my confidence.
Whenever I asked a question, I never felt like it was a mistake. In fact, asking questions is one of the things I have come to realise is really important as a trustee. I was a fresh pair of eyes in the room, my questions seemed to actually help conversations develop and influence the decision making, even in my first meeting!
Although I had always worked alongside Koala Northwest and loved the work they do, being a trustee has given me a completely different perspective. It has been fascinating to see how complex the organisation is behind the scenes and everything that goes into delivering its services.
It is also wonderful to see how passionate the staff are about the organisation and how much pride they take in delivering services that make a difference.
Being a trustee is about more than attending meetings
One thing I don't think I had fully considered before becoming a trustee was just how important it is to be an ambassador for your charity.
Being a trustee isn't simply about turning up to board meetings, reading papers and making decisions. I can’t get to every event because I work and have a family, but there are ways I can show my support and advocate for the charity. Reposting social media stories, telling your friends and family about the services, talking about the organisation and thinking of different ways you can support it are all part of the role too.
You have to really believe in the work that is being done in order to contribute properly at board level.
For me, becoming a trustee has reinforced how important it is that people who already have a connection with an organisation are encouraged to consider taking on a governance role. If you already understand the organisation, its services and the difference it makes, you bring something really valuable to the board.
I've learned to ask the questions
If there is one thing I would say to a new trustee, it is this: be brave and ask the questions.
You need to be sure that you understand the decisions you are making and that you have enough information to make them properly. Keeping quiet because you are worried that your question might sound obvious won't make you an effective trustee, and the reality is that you don't need to know everything.
You don't need to have been a trustee before. You can learn about governance, finance, risk, safeguarding and all the other things that come with being a trustee. What you can't necessarily teach is passion for the organisation and a genuine commitment to its purpose.
Growing in confidence and learning in the role
I am one of those people who actually enjoys training courses! Thankfully I've been lucky enough to attend some NCVO training on Trustees safeguarding responsibilities, and good governance.
I've seen other training from organisations such as the Association of Chairs, Chartered Governance Institute and the Directory of Social Change which could help increase my knowledge around managing risk, and financial management at board level.
We need more first-time trustees
I think trusteeship should be promoted much more widely to people who already support charities in other ways, whether that's through accessing their services, fundraising or volunteering.
There are lots of people who already understand and care about a charity who could bring valuable skills, experience and perspectives to its board. They might just never have considered themselves as someone who could become a trustee.
For me, it has been a really positive experience. It has given me the opportunity to develop new skills, see an organisation from a completely different perspective and put my own experience and passion to use in a new way.
I'm still learning, and I suspect that's part of being a good trustee. You don't become an expert overnight. What matters is being willing to learn, ask questions and use your experience to help an organisation make a difference.
If you've ever thought about becoming a trustee but wondered whether you were experienced enough, perhaps it's time to take the plunge.
Supporting your board through the Board Building Fund
My own experience has shown me how much difference training and encouragement can make when you’re finding your feet as a trustee.
That’s why I’m pleased that Wirral CVS’s Board Building Fund will help charities across Wirral invest in developing their trustees and boards. Whether you’re welcoming first-time trustees or helping existing members (or yourself!) build skills, opportunities to learn together can help everyone feel more confident about contributing.
The deadline for applications is next Monday, so do read more at the link below and apply soon if you may see the benefit for yourself as a trustee or the board of your organisation!
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