Induction and recruitment information

What you need to consider when you are recruiting for positions on the board

Before you recruit

Increased clarity about the aims of trustee recruitment results in a more effective and efficient method of developing the board.  It will also help in finding candidates of the right calibre who meet the needs of the organisation.

• Step into the shoes of your prospective trustee. 
  What would help them make a decision about joining your board; and what would help you identify the skills, experiences and qualities you need?
• A statement of responsibilities ("job description") can help the prospective trustee find out more about their role.
• A "skills audit" of your board can help you identify the skills, qualities and experiences you are looking for in a new trustee. It also helps the new trustee identify what they can bring to board membership.
• A form of selection
  How do you decide whether the new trustee is the best person? 
  How does that trustee decide whether your board is right for them? 
  an informal meeting with the chair?
  attending a board meeting as an observer?
  a form of interview?
  Have you checked your governing document for the formal process of appointment or election?
• An induction allows the new trustee to get up to speed on the board and organisation's work. 
  Have you considered buddying or partnering, for example? Do you have informal contact between trustees to allow people to get to know each other?  Do you have an induction pack?
• A succession plan. Do you have terms of office for your trustees? Do new trustees know how long they are expected to serve?
• Ideas for reviewing the board's work .  How often does your board take time out to reflect on its role - for example using an away day or self-assessement?

Publicising your vacancy

You can advertise your vacancy for free on our Trusteebank.

We also have a range of leaflets and posters that can be edited to help promote your vacancy.

To publicise your vacancy more widely, you should also visit our Trusteebank directory which lists some of the other trustee recruitment services available.  The organisations listed in the directory offer a range of services from advertising to matching up the vacancy with those who are interested in becoming a trustee.  Please look carefully at the criteria listed before contacting the organisation.

Useful resources

• Trustee Recruitment Resources for Small Organisations
• Good Practice in Trustee Recruitment- a toolkit (PDF Download)
• Recruit a Trustee pocket guide (PDF Download)
• Starting on the Right Track- a Guide to Recruiting and Inducting a new Chair (PDF Download)
• Trustee Standards in Practice- a Guide for Smaller Organisations (PDF Download)
• The Good Trustee Guide