What’s it like being a young person on a Board of Trustees?
This is part 1 of a blog series about young people being on the Board of Trustees for charities. This part is about my experience of being a young Trustee in the hope that it might encourage other young folx to consider this role. Part 2 of the series is for organisations and what they can practically do to foster a culture of recruiting and nurturing young talent. Thank you to collaborators Gillian Katungi and Lucy Stanfield for writing with me and sharing their own experience and wisdom.
I started this blog post 2 years ago when I joined 2050 Climate Group on the Board of Trustees. An organisation working to empower young people to take action on the climate crisis. One of the main factors that stood out to me is that the charity is young people led — everyone from volunteers to staff and trustees, are young people. In this blog, I define young people as aged under 35 years old.
It’s not common to have young board members though. So as a young person it could be daunting and scary. I had applied for a couple of other Board positions in national charities prior to this role. I had been disappointed by other charities’ lack of knowledge of service design (my career jam) and their indication that being young meant not enough experience. However, times are changing!
What is a Trustee?
Survey data shows that young folx want to become trustees — the problem is not knowing enough about the role or where to find out more information. The role does come with a lot of responsibilities. Trustees have to make sure the charity is run properly and uses its charitable funds and assets wisely to deliver its objectives. You will see big words being used — strategy, good governance, sustainable and viable service, financial health. Let these not scare you.
These are associated with legal terms. Trustees are in a position of trust. The term ‘trustee’ is used when you take responsibility for money that’s been set for someone else. For example, you help a friend or family member by managing their money. You have responsibility to only use the money in your friend’s best interest. In this example, you’d be asking yourself questions like — how would my friend spend the money? Should you start saving towards something they need in the future?
It’s similar to being on a Board but you’d be asking these questions as a group about the charity you’re responsible for. What is the goal of the charity and how are you going to achieve it? Do you have enough money now, and in the future? And so on.
If it sounds like a daunting responsibility, don’t let that put you off. Responsibilities like governance, as well as financial and legal leadership, are for the whole Board to share. This means folx bring their different experiences and skills to the group and support each other to ensure the charity is run well. There’s a bit of difference between Board roles as well. Positions such as Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer, referred to as office-bearing positions, have slightly different responsibilities compared to the rest of the Board. Office-bearers have specific legal and financial responsibilities — but those roles are also supported by the wider experience and skills of the Trustees, so it’s a real team effort.
Why join a Board?
There are a number of excellent reasons why to join a Board — learning how an organisation is run, improving employability, gaining skills like financial planning, networking wider, and supporting career goals. Being a Trustee can definitely benefit your career. Here are some of my top takeaways and highlights from being on a Board.
Learning to speak up, sensitively and timely.
Skills commonly developed as a Trustee include team working, communications skills and learning best ways to handle tricky conversations. The role involves collaboration — between trustees, with charity employees and volunteers, and with anyone who uses or benefits from the charity’s services. Trustees need to collaborate effectively. They also constructively challenge other people’s ideas — for the benefit of the organisation. It’s important as a Trustee to put aside personal ambition or priorities; this role is all about serving the needs of the organisation and ensuring it delivers on its charitable mission and purpose.
As an introvert who has a tough time challenging people in a group, being a Trustee has led me to dip my toes deeper into negotiating. A big learning has been how to clearly communicate — both my ideas and suggestions, and my concerns and needs. I have regularly gone back to the non-violent communication techniques — observation, feelings, needs and requests. Being able to put this framework into practice has been invaluable for my personal growth and confidence.
Gaining governance and leadership experience
Strategy and leadership experience can sometimes be hard to get in the workplace. It can take a while to reach a point in your career where you have a role like this. So being a Trustee is an excellent way to get this experience.
The work can also be very varied meaning gaining a much wider experience. I’ve been extremely lucky to get involved in many different activities — helping develop a Theory of Change, supporting our work on Diversity & Inclusion, applying for funding such as an EU bid, conducting design work, conducting recruitment.
As a Trustee, you’ll play a key role in setting the direction of travel of the charity, maintain this through good governance and making sure the organisation is relatable and set for the future ahead. Essentially, this means making sure the processes and activities produce outcomes that are beneficial to society and the planet. Making sure it is sustainable — in terms of how the service is delivered and its finances.
Representing an organisation
At 2050 Climate Group, we often get asked to represent the organisation in different groups which membership includes Executives and senior leaders across other organisations. I have been a part of the Senior Leaders Forum: Climate Emergency Action Group. A group focused on leadership and advocacy within the public and third sector. With Chief Executives from across the public sector, we explore how public services can respond to the challenges and implications of climate change across the public sector.
Other Trustees have been involved in groups like The Decoupling Advisory Group (reimagining Scotland to address environmental problems) and the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission (helping ensure that the transition to a low-carbon Scotland does not leave anyone behind).
During this time, I have been learning that being in the same group as other very senior leaders is not as scary as it sounds. What has really helped here is 2050 Climate Group’s reputation in Scotland — meaning crucial advisory groups and commissions make space for us to actively contribute and be involved. Opportunities like this one have helped me immensely in tackling some of my Imposter syndrome, building up my confidence and self-belief.
Joining a community working towards the same goal
Being a Trustee is a powerful way in which to contribute to a cause you are passionate and care about. Pick the charity you want to join that aligns to your beliefs and passion — this really helps as you’ll be dedicating your time so it helps feeling strongly about it! There are about 200,000 charitable organisations in the UK and one in five is likely to have a trustee vacancy — so there are many varied opportunities available (The Guardian).
I joined a charity working within the spheres of climate change. I wanted to feel connected to a bigger community of folks who care. I have stayed motivated partly because I have seen how many others care as much as I do and getting to know the amazing work others are doing.
Wondering where to start?
My quick tips:
Have a think if this is something you’d like to do.
Find someone who is doing it or has done it and chat with them.
Have a think about how much time you can commit to. Every charity has different expectations of their Board. This will help you find a charity that fits with your availability.
Look at charities which inspire you. The ones that you share a social mission with. Take a look at some dedicated websites for opportunities, like the Young Trustees Movement page where you can search for the perfect one for you.
Ready to apply for a position? Research and read up on the charity. Check out if anyone on their current Board is open to have a chat. That might help you decide to apply or what to emphasise on in your application.
The interview stage will tell you a lot about the charity. Ask questions at the end. Have they had a young person trustee before? If not, how might they welcome you and support your training if successful?
We’re currently recruiting at 2050 Climate Group — here’s more information about the role. We’re a pretty great bunch although I might be biased.
Want to have a chat? Give me a shout 🙂
Blog post by Eve Georgieva, 2050 Climate Group Trustee. Published on Medium.