YOUNG TRUSTEES…THE WHAT, THE WHY AND THE HOW

Leon WardTrustee: Plan UK and BrookContributing ‘expert’: The Big Give and the Key for School GovernorsAmbassador: Young Charity TrusteesAuthor: Young Trustees GuideProject Manager: UpRising Cymru@leonjward

WHO ARE TRUSTEES?• Trustees/Directors/Governors/Board Members – all the

same. Different organisations use different names• In charities, trustees serve on the governing board• Trustees come from diverse backgrounds; though largely

pale and male. Average age is 57.• Most trustees are unpaid, but are usually reimbursed for

reasonable expenses (This may change; Lord Hodgsons review of the Charity Act recommends £1m+ orgs should pay)

• Trustees have legal duties to the charity, supporters, and beneficiaries

• There are over 1m trustees in England and Wales.

8%

36%

0.5%2/3

85%

THE ESSENTIAL TRUSTEE (CC3):

“Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and

administration. They play a very important role, almost always unpaid, in a sector that

contributes significantly to the character and wellbeing of the country”

8%

36%

0.5%2/3

85%

CHALLENGES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (AND OTHERS…!)

• Not even thought of the idea of appointing young people to senior positions

• Inclination to restrict young people to youth policy;• May have less honed expertise; especially on strategy• Intimidating to be with usually highly professional and successful

people. It’s often an exclusive club.• Balancing strategic overall management with operational

management. (Understanding of Governance)• Cost of time off work/balancing studies• Lack of signposting opportunities• Conferences/training costs• Need to learn managing relationships with staff• Lack of recruitment experience especially at senior levels. • A poor Chair

SOLUTIONS?

OPPORTUNITIES…• There is drive across the UK to support young trustees• The Cabinet Office, the Charity Commission(s) and, now, lots of

big charities are behind us. • All of the umbrella bodies are supporting us too• Best practice is still relatively sparse• There is still plenty of demand from young people • And from organisations for young people• It’s a completely new way of giving – and is a two way process• There is space for young trustees to dominate some of the best

practice thinking around governance

Leonward3@gmail.com@LeonjwardLinkedIn: Leon Ward