Planning trustee recruitment

Planning the recruitment of new trustees is an important aspect of good governance. 

It is good practice for trustees to be looking ahead to ensure they can fill vacancies on the trustee board when they arise. Planning ahead can also help ensure that new trustees bring the skills, knowledge, experience and attributes that the board needs to work effectively.

The elements of a good trustee recruitment plan include:

• A good knowledge of the charity’s governing document – for example, to ensure that trustees are clear about formal election or appointment procedures and length of service of trustees
• A good knowledge of the skills and attributes required of a new board member – for example, by carrying out a skills audit.
• An understanding of why the board needs to recruit new board members – for example, is it to bring in specific skills or to ensure the board better reflects changes to the profile of the charity’s beneficiaries?
• An agreement on who will take forward the process - some charities form a sub-committee or working group to oversee recruitment and selection and meet regularly throughout the year.
• An action plan or timetable – start well in advance instead of a week before the Annual General Meeting.
• Ensuring all documentation and arrangements are prepared – for example, putting together a role description and information pack for prospective candidates.

Other useful resources:

• Trustee Recruitment Resources for Small Organisations
• Good Practice in Trustee Recruitment Toolkit
• Recruit a Trustee Pocket Guide

Trustee recruitement services

Trustee Bank

NCVO's Trustee Bank offers a free service to advertise or view trustee vacancies.  It also provides information about becoming a trustee and on recruitment and induction practices. Find out more about Trustee Bank

Trustees Unlimited

Recruiting trustees so that you have a balanced yet dynamic board in a cost effective manner can be a challenging task. That is why NCVO, in partnership with Bates Wells & Braithwaite, and Russam GMS established Trustees Unlimited.

Trustees Unlimited was established to provide a solution to the problem many not for profit organisations face - trying to recruit high quality trustees in a rigorous and yet cost effective way.