Ask the Expert - The Role of the Charity Trustee
Unlock the secrets to effective charity trusteeship with insights from Mike Preston Consultancy's "Ask the Expert" series! This indispensable guide tackles the real-world questions aspiring and current trustees have.
Considering becoming a trustee? Learn about:
Time Commitment: Expect to dedicate around 4 to 10 hours per month, covering meetings, planning, and events, though this can vary. It's always best to discuss expectations with the charity beforehand.
Utilising Your Skills: Your professional expertise, whether in marketing or other business areas, is incredibly valuable to charities. Skills in branding, digital marketing, strategic planning, and financial oversight can significantly boost a charity's impact and fundraising.
No Prior Experience? No Problem! Passion for the cause is a great starting point. Charities often seek diverse backgrounds and a commitment to their mission. You can prepare by researching the charity, understanding governance basics, and talking to current trustees.
Already a trustee? Get clarity on:
Legal Responsibilities: Understand your core duties, such as acting in the charity's best interests, managing resources responsibly, and complying with the law. While personal liability is a concern, acting honestly and with reasonable care generally offers protection, often supplemented by charity insurance.
Navigating Financial Challenges: In tough financial times, trustees play a paramount role. This includes fully understanding the problem, seeking expert advice, developing a recovery plan, maintaining transparent communication, and ensuring strong financial oversight, all while keeping the charity's mission at the forefront.
Mike Preston Consultancy's "Ask the Expert" provides crucial knowledge for anyone involved in the charitable sector. From time commitments to leveraging corporate skills and understanding legal duties to navigating financial difficulties, these insights prepare you for the rewarding role of a charity trustee.
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