Appointment / election of new trustees

The procedures for electing or appointing new trustees are usually set out in a charity’s governing document or associated rules or standing orders. These procedures must be followed regardless of the process used to find and select trustees.

The procedures vary between charities. For example:

• New trustees might be appointed by the existing board members, or might be elected by members at an Annual General Meeting 
• Trustees of membership organisations might have the power to co-opt or to fill casual vacancies between Annual General Meetings 
• One or more trustees might be appointed by outside organisations.

The board should ensure that new trustees are eligible to serve. The Charity Commission have a model trustee declaration setting out the formal eligibility requirements (PDF). It’s helpful to inform candidates about these requirements early on.

The governing document might also set out particular requirements - for example, requiring new trustees to be members of the organisation.

Organisations working with children or vulnerable people should ensure any necessary disclosures for trustees are sought from the Criminal Records Bureau.

Some trustee boards also decide to take up references for new trustees.

Charitable companies must ensure that Companies House is promptly notified about any changes to the trustee board. 

The Charity Commission must be informed about any changes to the trustee board in the charity’s Annual Return.