Trustee Focus – October 2022

Running a shadow board programme

Did you know that trustees of charity Boards are predominately white, male, and that the average age of a trustee is 61?

One of the main issues preventing board diversity is the recruitment process for trustees. Dr Ambreen Shah, a trustee at the Smallwood Trust, has been championing a shadowing programming to provide people with lived experience the opportunity to shadow existing Board members at the charity. Based on this work, she has produced some useful resources to share with others who are interested in doing the same:

Board Shadowing Webinar: What it is, how it benefits charities and getting involved
Running a Shadow Board Programme – FAQs


Cumbria Trustees’ Network

Tuesday 4 October 2022, 6:30-8pm, via Zoom

The Trustee Network brings together trustees & directors from different organisations to share experience, good practice, ideas and offer peer support.

We also looks at sharing skills and knowledge, along with the best way of offering peer support between trustees in Cumbria. At the Network you will get to meet your local CVS District Manager: Ali Greenhalgh (South), Bridget Johns (West) and County Volunteering Manager (Judith Smale), as well as Juan Shimmin from Cumbria Youth Alliance who will be facilitating the North Area group discussions.

Book your place here


NVCO Trustees’ Week events

7-11 November 2022

Now in its 12th year, Trustees’ Week is a chance for the sector to come together and mark the amazing achievements of the 700,000 volunteer trustees who run charities in England and Wales.

This year, NCVO want to help you learn how to lead through changing times. Their expert-led governance offer will help you keep up to date with the latest in charity governance. From online training and practical support to expert written guidance, their resources are here to help whether your charity is large or small.

New to trusteeship, or looking to hone your skills? Book your place on their free Trustees’ Week webinars:

  • Monday 7 November: Being a charity trustee in the current climate
  • Tuesday 8 November: Setting direction in changing times
  • Wednesday 9 November: Leading tough conversations
  • Thursday 10 November: Specialist skills and how to find them
  • Friday 11 November: Trustees and continuous learning

Click here to find out more and book