Trustee induction

All trustees should be offered an induction, or introduction, to their role.

Induction is an opportunity for a new trustee to learn about their duties and about different aspects of their new charity.

For existing board members an induction is a way of identifying the needs of a new trustee and finding ways to support them.

Induction programmes need not be lengthy or expensive. A basic induction should include:

• An induction pack of essential information: a trustee role description, the governing document, annual reports and accounts and minutes of previous trustee meetings
• An opportunity to get to know other trustees – for example, formally welcoming new trustees at their first meeting or assigning an existing trustee as a mentor
• An opportunity to find out about the roles and responsibilities of trustees – for example, a board briefing on roles and responsibilities or booking the trustee onto an external course
• An opportunity to find out about the organisation – for example, via meetings with key people, visits to services and premises or presentations by staff members.