What is a Trustee?
As we celebrate Trustees’ Week from 3rd to 7th November, we thought it would be useful to provide some information about some commonly asked questions about trustees and board members of charities and social enterprises. Today, we’ll start with the most obvious one – what is a trustee?
So what is a trustee or board member of a charity/social enterprise?
Behind every great charity or voluntary group in Norfolk is a group of dedicated people helping to steer it in the right direction. These are the trustees – sometimes called board members. They volunteer their time, skills, and experience to make sure voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations are well run, financially sound, and focused on making a difference.
Trustees are the people who take overall responsibility for how an organisation is run. They don’t get involved in day-to-day operations but instead help set the vision and make key decisions. In short, they ensure the organisation stays true to its purpose. They might approve budgets, help recruit senior staff, oversee fundraising plans, or check that the charity meets its legal and ethical obligations.
In the VCSE sector, trustees come from all walks of life. They include business owners, students, retirees, carers, and community members who simply want to give something back. Their combined knowledge and life experience help charities stay connected to the people they serve. Having a diverse board – with people of different ages, backgrounds, and perspectives – helps ensure decisions reflect the needs of all parts of the community.
Trustees play a vital role in Norfolk’s community life. From food banks and carers’ groups to arts projects and youth charities, every organisation relies on its trustees. They provide leadership, accountability, and stability. Without them, many of the services that support vulnerable people, bring neighbours together, and make our towns and villages thrive simply couldn’t function.
Want to find out more?
Becoming a trustee is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference. You don’t need previous experience – just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. By joining a local charity board, you help shape the future of your community.
We have some more information on our GetInVOLved Norfolk page. There are also plenty of links to training and advice available on our GetInVOLved Skills page.
