Whilst I am sure I am not alone in thinking ‘how on earth is it November already?’ November arrives in style with a celebration of charity trustees with Trustees’ Week taking place from 3-7 November.

As a member of the charities governance team at Anthony Collins, I have the privilege of working with incredible charity trustees who are passionate about making a difference. It is one of the perks of my job! Trustees are volunteers yet responsible for the overall direction, compliance, and decisions of the charity. They are the ‘directors’ of the charity world, and there are nearly one million across the UK. The work of trustees directly impacts how a charity makes a difference to the lives of people, animals, the environment, etc. Trustees are the heart and soul of a charity, and their work alongside other volunteers and staff is key. 

As a trustee myself, I love being able to use my professional knowledge and skills to govern a charity and put into practice what I advise clients to do every day. I can gain real insight into the challenges faced by our clients when approaching governance and decision-making, but also have an active part in making a positive impact on the lives of others. 

Volunteering at a charity, whether as a trustee or in another role, is all about finding a charity that resonates with you and advances a cause you care about. Through being a trustee, you can see first-hand the lasting impact you can have - above and beyond fundraising (as essential as that is for all charities!). Being a trustee is a chance to give back, whether that be to the local community, using your lived experience to support people in challenging and uncertain times in their lives,  helping people achieve their ambitions, protecting the environment or ensuring animals are well cared for. Being a trustee is more than just a label. It is about making a positive difference and being a part of change, working alongside others from all walks of life who are just as passionate as you (if not more!)

Trusteeship is also remarkably accessible - you do not need to have any particular qualifications before you can get involved and make a difference. The Charity Commission has also issued guidance on who can and cannot be a trustee.

Trustees’ Week 2025 has a dedicated website and this year’s theme is governance (of course!) Whether you are contemplating being a trustee or have been a trustee for as long as you can remember, there are several events taking place that even the most seasoned trustee could benefit from. You can see the full list here. 

For those of you still on the fence about being a trustee, I would say give it a go! You never know what you can bring or what you can gain through experience until you try. If you are not too sure where to start, the Trustees’ Week site has practical support and advice to point you in the right direction to start your journey as a charity trustee.

For those of you who do not know me, I am an associate advising a wide range of charities on all aspects of charity law, in particular governance, restructuring, mergers, regulatory matters and property trusts.