For independent PBGS, the role of trustee is defined by their legal responsibility for the ‘general control and management of the administration of a charity’ and their specific duties are set out in the organisation’s governing document.
For hosted PBGS, their role can be defined according to the needs of the organisation - in most cases they are delegated decision making responsibility by the Board of the host. It will help to clearly define the role of members at the outset with a Terms of Reference.
Recruitment & Induction
Finding good trustees/advisors is key to the success of a developing PBGS.
- They can bring lived experience, local knowledge, connections, money or other resources, professional skills or expertise (e.g., legal, communications), specialist knowledge of a focus area (e.g. young people).
- They must bring enthusiasm and commitment and a willingness to work in partnership.
- Targeting people with knowledge of their locality and giving them opportunities to be involved long term or in specific programmes involves people rarely asked to make decisions on their place.
An induction should give incoming trustees/members an introduction to their role as well as the organisation. It takes time to ensure that new members can be fully involved- this investment is a priority for success.
An induction pack can include:
- A copy of your governing document, or Terms of Reference for the group they are joining.
- Your latest annual report and accounts (if applicable).
- Where to go for more information and guidance about their role.
Meeting others helps:
- The Chair and Director will help to answer any questions, set the scene and find out more about what people can bring to the Board.
- Meeting other Board members and seeing some work supported by the scheme in action can quickly deepen understanding and involvement.
- • Matching new people to long standing ‘buddies’ ahead of their first few meetings can help to quickly develop understanding and knowledge.
Where and how to advertise for trustees,
Here are some places you can advertise trustee vacancies for free:
- Reach Volunteering offers free advertising to small voluntary sector. organisations and also has templates and guides for organisations recruiting trustees and advice for people looking for trustee roles.
- Getting on Board advertises vacancies, and has just published a new practical guide to recruiting diverse trustees.
- Young Trustees advertises vacancies as well as advice, training and events for organisations wanting to recruit young trustees.
- Do IT is a platform to match charities with volunteers.
- If you are looking for professional skills, the business orientated Women on Boards advertises roles for private and voluntary sector Board positions, and offers webinars and advice for paid members.