Trustees are integral to the smooth running of a charity. Using their varied skills, expertise and experience, they work on a voluntary basis, overseeing the charity administration and management, and driving forward strategic change.
It is undoubtedly a rewarding role and the contribution made by Trustees to the work of charitable organisations across the UK is vital to the success of the Sector.
There are about one million trustees in the UK and this year Trustees Week (7th to 11th November) celebrated ‘making a difference in changing times’.
Reflecting on the work of trustees Kirsty McEwen our Head of Charity & Not for Profit, looks at the support her nationally recognised team provides to the sector.
“Trustees are invaluable to the success of an organisation, and they often need specialist support and advice to enable them to undertake their role effectively, efficiently and within the law and regulation. Our specialist team works with charities and not for profits to provide advise and guidance on a wide range of charity law, governance, constitutional and regulatory matters.’
The support the team provides includes specialist training to new trustees as part of an induction process as well as ongoing training to seasoned trustees.
“Whether you are a trustee of a small, local not for profit group working within a community, or a substantial charity operating regionally or nationally for the wider benefit, we provide support and advice on all aspects of your operations. From good governance, through to your regulatory obligations, or understanding your governing document and what powers are available to you to do what you need or want to, the team works to provide holistic guidance and advice whenever needed.’
This year, we are hosting our annual Charity Conference on Thursday 8th December.
The morning seminar will feature a panel of expert speakers – Richard Sagar, from Charity Finance Group; Glen Bott and Simon Atkins from Cooper Parry; Luke Hunter, from Evelyn Partners; and our own Kirsty McEwen – who will discussing a range of topics from legal and regulatory issues, to exclusionary investment policies, and how charities are being affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Free to attend for up to two people per organisation, this conference at our Brierley Hill offices is a great opportunity to find out about the challenges charities are facing. Head to the events page to reserve your place, or email events@higgsllp.co.uk