Overcoming Barriers in Charity Trustee Recruitment

1st February 2024

More than 184,000 charities are registered in England and Wales, supported by over 924,000 trustees, according to the Charity Commission.

Despite these high numbers, charity trustee recruitment remains a challenge for many organisations. Finding skilled, diverse, and committed trustees is essential for charities to thrive, yet barriers often prevent them from reaching their full potential.

The AAW Group specialises in non-profit recruitment and strategic fundraising consultancy, helping charities overcome these challenges with tailored strategies and deep sector expertise.

In this guide, we'll explore the common obstacles organisations face when recruiting trustees and provide practical solutions to help your charity build a strong and effective board of trustees. Ready? Let's get started.

Common Barriers in Charity Trustee Recruitment

As highlighted above, recruiting charity trustees is a challenge faced by organisations across the UK. A mix of misconceptions, structural barriers, and resource constraints can make it difficult to attract and retain the right candidates. Here are some of the most common barriers and their impact on recruitment efforts.

Lack of Awareness and Understanding

First of all, it's a reality that many people are unaware of what a trustee does or the opportunities available. Others may assume trusteeship is reserved for those with years of senior management experience or specialised knowledge.

This lack of awareness prevents talented individuals who could bring valuable skills and fresh perspectives from considering a trustee role.

A trustee is a volunteer who helps oversee a charity's operations, ensuring it stays true to its mission and complies with legal requirements. They provide strategic guidance, make key decisions, and support the organisation's long-term success.

Perception of Exclusivity

Trusteeship can appear inaccessible, particularly to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Some candidates may feel that they do not belong on a board due to factors such as:

• Cultural

• Educational

• Socioeconomic

Such a perception can be further reinforced by boards that lack visible diversity, discouraging others from applying.

Limited Resources for Recruitment

Another reality is that many charities lack the time, budget, or expertise needed to run effective trustee recruitment campaigns.

Without dedicated resources, organisations struggle to promote roles widely or target specific audiences. This often results in fewer applications, thus limiting the pool of qualified candidates.

Time and Commitment Concerns

Potential trustees may also hesitate to apply due to fears about the time commitment.

Misconceptions about the workload or a lack of flexibility in meeting schedules can discourage busy professionals or those balancing multiple responsibilities.

Skills Gaps

Additionally, charities frequently require trustees with specific expertise, such as financial, legal, or digital skills. Finding individuals with these competencies can be challenging, especially for smaller organisations with limited networks.

Geographical Limitations

Lastly, smaller charities, particularly those operating in rural or less populated areas, may struggle to find trustees locally. This can restrict boards to a narrow pool of candidates, reducing the diversity and breadth of experience they bring.

Solutions to Trustee Recruitment Barriers

Overcoming the challenges of charity trustee recruitment requires a proactive and strategic approach. Addressing the root causes of common barriers means charities can build stronger, more diverse boards that drive their mission forward.

Here are some practical solutions and how the AAW Group can help.

Raising Awareness

Charities can demystify the trustee role by clearly explaining what it involves and its benefits. Educational campaigns and outreach can highlight how trusteeship offers individuals the chance to:

• Develop new skills

• Give back to their communities

• Make a meaningful impact

Sharing success stories from existing trustees can also inspire others to step forward.

Emphasising Inclusivity

Creating a welcoming and inclusive culture is also key to attracting diverse candidates. You can start by reviewing recruitment materials to ensure they use accessible and inclusive language.

Another option is to consider partnerships with organisations specialising in connecting underrepresented groups with trustee opportunities. A more inclusive approach widens the pool of candidates and builds a board that better reflects the communities your charity serves.

Enhancing Outreach Efforts

Charities must move beyond traditional recruitment methods and leverage digital platforms, professional networks, and community groups. Platforms like LinkedIn or specialist websites can help target specific skills, while outreach to local organisations can draw in people with strong community ties.

At the AAW Group, we use tailored recruitment strategies to help charities reach the right candidates through broad and niche channels.

Simplifying Expectations

Concerns about time and workload often deter potential trustees. As a solution, charities can address this by clearly outlining expectations and offering flexible options, such as virtual meetings or staggered commitments.

Providing training and ongoing support also helps new trustees feel confident and prepared for their role.

Focusing on Skills-Based Recruitment

To fill specific gaps, charities should prioritise skills-based recruitment. For this, they can start by conducting a skills audit of your current board to identify areas where expertise is lacking.

Targeted recruitment campaigns can then focus on attracting professionals in those fields, such as finance, law, or digital transformation. At the AAW Group, we work closely with charities to analyse their needs and design bespoke strategies that deliver results.

Expanding Geographical Reach

For charities in rural or remote areas, geographical limitations can be overcome by embracing digital solutions. Virtual board meetings make it easier for trustees from other regions to participate, broadening the candidate pool.

Additionally, focusing on online recruitment platforms ensures you can connect with individuals across the UK.

How the AAW Group Can Help

With a proven track record (and more than eight years of experience) in non-profit recruitment, the AAW Group offers unmatched expertise in overcoming trustee recruitment challenges. We develop bespoke strategies to attract diverse and skilled candidates, helping to ensure your board is equipped to lead effectively.

Our approach includes outreach to underrepresented groups, a focus on inclusivity, and a deep understanding of the non-profit sector's unique needs, helping to overcome the common barriers faced in charity board recruitment.

Overcoming Recruitment Challenges With AAW Group

So, to sum up, effective charity trustee recruitment is essential for building boards that can drive your organisation's success. By addressing barriers such as lack of awareness, exclusivity, and skills gaps, charities can attract diverse and skilled trustees who bring fresh perspectives and expertise.

At AAW Group, we specialise in developing trustee recruitment strategies tailored to your needs, ensuring you reach the right candidates. Check out our recruitment page to learn how our expertise can transform your recruitment efforts and help your charity thrive.