I've been a serial trustee for three decades or so - having been a Trustee of several not for profits, ranging from local, Scottish and UK arts, carers, environmental and disability causes - all subjects close to my heart.
Its rewarding - not financially, obviously, but more in terms of giving life extra meaning, learning new skills, and gaining empathy with fellow trustees and those who depend on us.
I don't expect to make close friends with other trustees, I find it better to stay impartial and independent of mind. The one thing that charities should not be is chums clubs - or even worse, Mom and Pop outfits.
As for diversity, this task does require two things in spades: free time, and real expertise, and I'm unconvinced by tokenism on diversity grounds alone - it can be uncomfortable. Sure, many trustees are older white educated males like me - and I agree this isn't ideal, and would always welcome younger folk , women or minorities onto a board, but they can be really hard to find with the right skillsets. Remember that the average Trustee appointment is for four to six years, and that most boards only meet in person five or six times a year - that simply isn't long or intense enough to build major new skills or close relationships.
Maybe we need 'apprenticeship' trustee roles as observers but without the full statutory responsibilities, which can be quite intimidating and formidable. Why do others think about this idea?
I've been a serial trustee for three decades or so - having been a Trustee of several not for profits, ranging from local, Scottish and UK arts, carers, environmental and disability causes - all subjects close to my heart.
Its rewarding - not financially, obviously, but more in terms of giving life extra meaning, learning new skills, and gaining empathy with fellow trustees and those who depend on us.
I don't expect to make close friends with other trustees, I find it better to stay impartial and independent of mind. The one thing that charities should not be is chums clubs - or even worse, Mom and Pop outfits.
As for diversity, this task does require two things in spades: free time, and real expertise, and I'm unconvinced by tokenism on diversity grounds alone - it can be uncomfortable. Sure, many trustees are older white educated males like me - and I agree this isn't ideal, and would always welcome younger folk , women or minorities onto a board, but they can be really hard to find with the right skillsets. Remember that the average Trustee appointment is for four to six years, and that most boards only meet in person five or six times a year - that simply isn't long or intense enough to build major new skills or close relationships.
Maybe we need 'apprenticeship' trustee roles as observers but without the full statutory responsibilities, which can be quite intimidating and formidable. Why do others think about this idea?