As Trustees’ Week (6th – 10th November) draws to a close we would like to thank the fantastic group of Trustees we are lucky enough have at Suffolk Family Carers.
Between them they bring a wealth of experience from health, social care and business to our organisation with many of them being, or have been, family carers themselves, so understand the challenges you face. The positive impact our trustees make is invaluable, and is now as important as ever – making a difference in changing times. Thank you for the time, commitment and effort you bring to Suffolk Family Carers and in helping us thrive.
A recent article published by Charity Digital lists the 5 traits of a good Trustee and we think our Trustee Board exhibits every one of these to the highest levels
A good trustee is ready for a challenge
One of the most important traits of a good trustee is that they are not afraid to rock the boat. The right person counters charity managers and executive officers on important matters, but an effective trustee challenges with good intent. In practice, trustees offer alternative view points and are tasked with asking the difficult questions.
They are open and listen to many voices
Trustees listen to staff, management, volunteers, and donors. They anchor a charity’s purpose and mission with wider audiences. A good trustee considers these voices and involves them in the decision-making process. Trustees know how to translate what they have seen and heard into operational matters. It is important that trustees keep an open mind and are grounded in the charity’s day-to-day work to build a sense of common purpose with the rest of the organisation.
Trustees are team players
While trustees are experts with their own interests, a good one sets those things aside. They are team players and work together for the benefit of their charity and together they ensure there is diversity of thought and representation. For charity boards, diversity is important because it can help the organisation stay agile, remain inclusive, and redress imbalances in power.
Trustees have expert knowledge
Trustees are experts in their field and have relevant industry experience. They may have been trustees before, held prominent positions in the charitable sector, or worked in the field. For trustees who aren’t experts in a charity’s field or purpose, they have a duty to find out. Good trustees make it a point to learn what they can about their charity.
They exercise good judgement and care
A good trustee knows what they are doing within the framework of their role. At a basic level, they should understand and know how to act as described by The Charity Commission. The regulator’s ‘The essential trustee’ guidance sets out six main duties and describes how good trustees can make informed decisions. They are familiar with the legal and reporting requirements.
Thank you to our Trustees
Find out about our trustees, or for information on how to become a trustee yourself
