# 4 in 5 charities in England & Wales have at least one trustee vacancy

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/11/04/4-in-5-charities-in-england-wales-have-at-least-one-trustee-vacancy/
- Published: 2024-11-04T08:50:00+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Four in five charities in England and Wales surveyed for a new NCVO report have
at least one vacant trustee position, with more than half of charities having two
or more, and many going unfilled for months.**

[NCVO](https://www.ncvo.org.uk/#/)’s The Trustee Report 2024 surveyed 294 charities
in England and Wales, and is released today on the first day of Trustees’ Week (
4-8 November). It also reveals that 1 in 10 have at least four positions open. For
a third of respondents, some positions have remained unfilled for more than a year,
and 61% have had a least one vacancy for more than six months.

Micro charities (with an income of less than £10,000), and small charities (income
between £10,000 and £100,000) are hardest hit, with 60% of their vacancies lasting
over six months. 

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#### “Critical” skills gap

The report states that the impact of these unfilled positions is causing critical
skills gaps on charity boards, including marketing, communications, legal, technology,
and finance. 60% of charities are struggling to advance due to these gaps, rising
to 80% for micro-charities. Respondents said that the shortage of expertise hinders
effective decision making and organisational growth. 

#### Emotional impact on existing board members

The vacancies are also having an emotional impact on those who remain on the board.
45% of the charities surveyed said that vacancies are causing stress and anxiety
among their board members, with this figure rising to 50% for micro charities. Many
trustees have expressed feeling overwhelmed, being stretched too thin, or anxious
about the future. 

#### Lack of diversity also a concern

The ongoing issue of board diversity is also highlighted in the report. Nearly two
thirds (61%) of charities said the underrepresentation of young people was their
biggest concern, while half said ethnicity. Over a third (35%) noted disability 
representation, and 31% worried about a lack of technical skills.  

#### NCVO recommendations

To address the gaps in trustee boards and actively work to diversify them, the report
advises that charities should: 

 * Specifically target underrepresented groups in their recruitment efforts. Engaging
   young people, skilled professionals, and diverse communities will help charities
   tap into new talent pools.  
 * Provide clear role descriptions that outline responsibilities and expectations,
   so that charities can attract individuals who bring valuable perspectives to 
   the board.
 * Highlight the important role of trustees by sharing inspiring stories to encourage
   more people to step forward. According to NCVO’s survey, 57% of respondents believe
   that celebrating the impact of trustees could motivate potential candidates. 
 * Conduct targeted outreach to specific groups (56% of respondents suggested this)
   and improve communication about the benefits of being a trustee (52%). 
 * Offer better guidance on how to become a trustee (50%) and use flexible recruitment
   strategies to reach a wider range of candidates. 
 * Clearly explain the benefits of trusteeship, such as personal growth, making 
   a meaningful difference, and developing new skills. 

Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive at NCVO, commented: 

> “These vacancies are more than just empty chairs—they represent lost opportunities
> to strengthen the charities our communities rely on. When boards lack diverse 
> skills and perspectives, it hampers their ability to make effective decisions,
> putting vital services at risk. This is especially true for smaller charities 
> where the workload falls on fewer individuals.
>  
> “We need to find ways to tell inspiring stories about trusteeship to show others
> how impactful this role can be. By connecting with underrepresented groups and
> clearly outlining what being a trustee entails, we can invite fresh perspectives
> and talent to the table.
>  
> “It’s crucial for boards to reflect the communities they serve. The lack of diversity
> in age, ethnicity, and a diverse range of expertise not only creates skills gaps
> but also limits charities’ capacity to truly meet the needs of those they aim 
> to support.
>  
> “The consequences of this trustee crisis go far beyond governance – they threaten
> the essential support that countless individuals rely on every day.”

Ian Joseph, Managing Director at [Trustees Unlimited](https://trustees-unlimited.co.uk/)
said:

> “Never has the need for trustees been greater, and the challenges to recruitment
> more significant. This report is a call to action for charities to think more 
> broadly about their approach to recruitment, including where necessary, investing
> in this vital activity. And for us as a sector to bang the drum about the importance
> of trusteeship and how good governance impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands
> of people.”