# 8 in 10 trustees would recommend the role to others

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/11/07/8-in-10-trustees-would-recommend-the-role-to-others/
- Published: 2024-11-07T09:30:37+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**At a time when [4 in 5 charities in England and Wales](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/11/04/4-in-5-charities-in-england-wales-have-at-least-one-trustee-vacancy/)
have at least one trustee vacancy, new research from the Charity Commission and 
Pro Bono Economics shows that current trustees would highly recommend the role to
others.**

8 in 10 trustees say they are likely or very likely to recommend the role according
to early findings from in-depth research into trusteeship, conducted as part of 
a collaborative project between the regulator and PBE. The research aims to better
understand who trustees are and what skills they bring to the role.

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Research participants also reported that:

 * One of the major benefits of their roles in a charity is that it allows them 
   to use existing skills in a new context (66%)
 * Trusteeship helps them more connected to their local community or to a movement
   that’s important to them (65%)
 * Only 2% of those asked say that trusteeship offers no benefit to them and less
   than 1% would not recommend taking on a trusteeship to others

The full data set with analysis is expected to be published early in 2025, with 
these early findings coinciding with [Trustees’ Week](https://trusteesweek.org/)(
4-8 November).

Speaking at a Trustees’ Week event yesterday, organised by BDO, Charity Commission
Chief Executive David Holdsworth said:

> “Trustees are a driving force in charities whose work is often unseen, taking 
> place behind-the-scenes of charities’ front-line work. Trustees’ Week gives us
> a welcome opportunity, once a year, to bring their work into the limelight, to
> celebrate and thank trustees for the contribution they make, and support and encourage
> more people to step up and take on the rewarding role.
>  
> “These early findings offer us some confidence that while trusteeship is no doubt
> demanding and can be challenging, most of those who serve as trustees do so, at
> least in part, because they too benefit. To all who are not already trustees –
> please consider volunteering today.”

Matt Whittaker, CEO of Pro Bono Economics, said:

> “Trusteeship isn’t just about giving back; it’s about gaining, too. This early
> snippet from PBE’s research reaffirms that being a trustee not only connects people
> to causes and communities they care deeply about, but people feel that it also
> sharpens their skills. That 80% of trustees recommend the role speaks volumes.
> We’re looking forward to releasing the full data set and analysis soon.”

#### Advice from a trustee

BBC broadcaster Reeta Chakrabarti, a trustee of two charities, gave advice to prospective
trustees:

> “Think about your own interests and values, and make sure that they align with
> those of the charity. Be aware that being a trustee is a legal responsibility 
> and that you need to commit time to the job. But also remember that it is hugely
> rewarding.
>  
> “Being a trustee gives me an insight into worlds that I am fascinated by, and 
> gives me an opportunity to learn more about them and also to influence – to a 
> certain degree – the direction the charity takes.”
>  

 * **[Marked increase in percentage of young people interested in trusteeship](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/11/13/marked-increase-in-percentage-of-young-people-interested-in-trusteeship/)**(
   13 November 2024)
 * **[Better Boards initiative launched to transform sector governance](https://fundraising.co.uk/2026/01/13/better-boards-initiative-launched-to-transform-sector-governance/)**(
   13 January 2026)
 * **[The Institute of Fundraising launch Trustees guide to Fundraising](https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/09/05/institute-fundraising-launch-trustees-guide-fundraising/)**(
   5 September 2007)