Why be a trustee?

There are so many incredible charities across Shropshire (and beyond!) … and every single one of them relies on trustees.

Trustees play a vital role in shaping direction, supporting teams, and making sure organisations are doing what they’re supposed to do. And yet lots of people I speak to have never consider taking on the role or even know what it entails.

But in my experience, often those are the exact people who would make brilliant trustees!

So… what does a trustee actually do?

At its simplest, being a trustee is about helping guide a charity. It's a (nearly always) voluntary role.

It’s not about running the day-to-day work, and it’s not about having all the answers. Instead, trustees focus on:

• Making sure the charity is doing what it exists to do

• Supporting and overseeing the people delivering the work

• Making sure money is used responsibly

• Asking questions, offering perspective, and helping shape decisions

Yes, there are formal responsibilities (and rightly so), but much of it comes down to something far more human: caring about the cause, being willing to engage, and bringing your own perspective to the table.

“But I don’t have the right experience…”

This is something I hear all the time.

And the reality is - there is no single “type” of trustee.

You might bring:

• Lived experience

• A personal connection to a cause

• Professional skills

• A particular interest or passion

• Or simply curiosity and a willingness to get involved

Charities need a mix of voices around the table. Not just people who “know about charities” or “have been on boards before”, but people who can think differently, ask questions, and reflect the communities they serve.

It’s not one-size-fits-all

Another important thing to know is that trustee roles can look very different depending on the organisation.

In larger, more established charities, the role is often more strategic - focused on oversight, direction, and governance.

And, while strategy and oversight are the core roles of the board, in smaller or newer organisations, trustees may naturally have to dedicate more time to their role, helping to shape things as they grow.

Neither is better - it’s simply about finding the right fit for you.

It’s a two-way relationship

Being a trustee isn’t just about giving your time. It can also be hugely rewarding.

You gain:

• Insight into how charities operate

• Opportunities to develop new skills

• Confidence in decision-making and leadership

• The chance to be part of something meaningful

Some of the most impactful people I’ve worked with have been trustees - supporting organisations to grow, adapt and make a difference behind the scenes.

Interested? Start with a conversation

While open recruitment is a key part of attracting trustees, charities can often be open to conversations about taking on new members to their board - especially if you bring enthusiasm and a genuine interest in what they do.

So, if there’s a cause you care about, it’s always worth reaching out.

Join us: Why Be a Trustee?

I’ll be speaking at an upcoming event hosted by Shropshire Wildlife Trust, alongside local trustees, to give an honest and accessible introduction to what the role really involves.

📍 Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Abbeygate Hall, Shrewsbury

📅 Wednesday 29th April

🕓 From 4:30pm

Book your free place here: https://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2026-04-29-why-be-trustee

We’ll be sharing real insights, answering questions, and hopefully helping more people feel confident about taking that first step.

If you’ve ever wondered whether being a trustee might be for you - this is a great place to start.