Recruiting Trustees

Recruiting the right trustees is essential for good governance and the long-term success of your charity. Trustees bring oversight, strategy and expertise, so taking time to recruit the right people is important.

Start with Your Board

Before recruiting, understand the strengths of your current board. A trustee skills audit can help identify the experience and perspectives already present and highlight any gaps.

Consider:

• What skills and experience your board already has

• What gaps exist (for example finance, legal, digital or community knowledge)

• What your charity may need in the future

Once gaps are identified, create a simple role description outlining the skills, experience and time commitment expected of new trustees.

Think About Who You Want – and Why

Consider what might motivate someone to join your board. Many people are attracted by:

• a strong cause or mission

• the opportunity to use their skills for social impact

• gaining governance experience or expanding their network

Being clear about your charity’s purpose, impact and the role the trustee will play will help attract the right candidates.

Open Recruitment vs Targeted Recruitment

Open recruitment

Advertising the role through websites, newsletters, volunteer platforms or social media.

Benefits

• Reaches a wider pool of candidates

• Encourages diversity and new perspectives

• Supports a transparent recruitment process

Targeted recruitment

Approaching specific individuals with skills your board needs.

Benefits

• Helps fill specific skill gaps

• Allows you to draw on professional expertise and networks

Many charities use a combination of both approaches.

Where to Find Trustees

Potential trustees can be found through:

• your website, newsletter or social media

• professional platforms such as LinkedIn

• industry networks and professional bodies

• supporters, volunteers or partner organisations

Professional and community networks can be particularly effective when seeking people with specialist skills.

For bookkeepers and accountants, share your vacancy with:

Guernsey Society of Chartered Accountants.

Selecting the Right Trustee

Once you have identified potential candidates, it is important to assess whether they are the right fit for your charity. An informal interview or conversation can help explore their motivation, skills and understanding of the trustee role. Involving other trustees or senior members of your team in the process can also provide different perspectives and help ensure the candidate fits well with the board and the organisation.

Be Patient

Recruiting trustees can take time, so it is best to start early and allow time for the right person to emerge. A thoughtful process helps ensure new trustees are a good fit for the board and the charity.

Inducting New Trustees

A good induction helps new trustees understand their responsibilities and contribute quickly. This might include providing key documents (such as governing documents, recent accounts and strategy), explaining how the board works, and pairing new trustees with an experienced board member who can answer questions.

Comply with the law

All newly appointed trustees must be registered with the Guernsey Registry within 21 days of their appointment. Charities should ensure this is completed as part of the appointment process.