Demystifying charity trustees: Five things you may not know about volunteering on a charity board

The 5th of September each year marks International Day of Charity. The United Nations established this day in 2012 with the purpose of raising awareness of charity across the world and encouraging people to become involved in charity work, volunteering and philanthropy in their local communities.

Here in Ireland, we have over 11,500 registered charities that provide unique services across a wide range of charitable focuses for those in need across our society. Each of these charities is overseen by a governing body known as the board.

According to data from the Central Statistics Office in 2022, more than 700,000 people in Ireland volunteer on a regular basis. This equates to 94 million hours worked and a value of over one billion euro to the Irish economy. When people consider volunteering, community outreach that supports service delivery (for example, helping in a homeless shelter or a charity shop) is usually what comes to mind. This is the most public facing form of volunteering and what many think of when they consider helping out a charity.

However, did you know that more than one in ten (76,000) volunteers in Ireland serve as charity trustees? A charity trustee (also known as a board member) is part of the board (governing body) and holds the shared legal and financial responsibility of a charity. Trustees have unique duties in overseeing the running and governance of all charities across Ireland.

Even though these are voluntary positions that carry significant responsibilities, the valuable contribution of trustees all too often remains in the shadows. Many people are unaware of the role of trustees or the legal structure in Ireland which requires charity boards to be made up of volunteers. According to research carried out by nfpResearch on behalf of We Act in 2024, only 47% of the public surveyed are aware that charities are run by a voluntary board!

Boardmatch specialises in charity board recruitment and training, so to mark this year’s International Day of Charity, we would like to share with you five unique facts and benefits you may not know about charity boards and volunteering as a trustee in Ireland. ??

?1. Anyone can be a charity trustee

There’s often a misconception that to become a charity trustee you must have extensive management or leadership experience. However, almost anyone can become a charity trustee regardless of your background or experience, and organisations, especially smaller charities, need trustees from all walks of life. There is a role out there to suit people with all levels of expertise that aligns with their skills, talents, passions and interests.

2. Small charities make up the majority of charities in Ireland (and are equally in need of new trustees!)

The majority of charities operating in Ireland are small charities with limited turnover and resources. Examples of these charities are community focused, grassroots led organisations that started when someone spotted a gap or need in their area or for a particular cause. These organisations are making real impact and form the backbone of their local communities. Many of these charities are in need of support, particularly when it comes to their board. Smaller charities make an excellent option for those who are new to board volunteering and are looking to gain governance experience and make a real difference.

?3. Boards lead charity governance and operations

Many people imagine the purpose of the board is to act as a ‘rubber stamp’ signing off on decisions and policies; however, it is the board that ultimately has control of the charity and holds the responsibility for the running and governance of the organisation. Serving as a board member provides an inside view of how charities operate – the highs and the lows. This includes insights into governance, compliance, fundraising, program development, and service delivery. This is invaluable knowledge for anyone interested in the charity and not-for-profit sector or wanting to better understand how organisations create social value and impact.

?4. Trustees have significant accountability and legal responsibilities

The board has an important role in guiding and implementing the organisation’s policies, procedures and strategy while also maintaining comprehensive legal and fiscal duties. Despite the voluntary nature of the role, trustees can be held personally liable if they act negligently or in breach of their duties. However, this shouldn’t be a deterrent as strong governance processes, robust policies, and directors' insurance are all encouraged and promoted within the charity sector to support and protect trustees in their role. The main responsibilities include acting in the best interests of the charity, ensuring the charity is compliant with the law, managing the charity's resources responsibly, and ensuring that the charity pursues its objectives.

?5. Board volunteering enhances your skills while you make an impact

Serving on a charity board provides opportunities to develop and hone skills such as leadership, strategic planning, financial management and decision making. It can also help enhance softer skills like communication, negotiation and teamwork, which are valuable in both personal and professional contexts. Rather than feeling like you need to possess these skills and experience before becoming a trustee, these are skills you can develop while serving on a board. What’s more, a long-term voluntary commitment to an organisation would make an excellent addition to your CV when pursuing professional and career development. This is what makes board volunteering really unique - you can upskill and grow personally and professionally; give your time to a cause you are passionate about and make an impact to an organisation’s strategic development all at once. It’s a win-win for both you and the charity!

We hope you found this article helpful in gaining more insight into charity boards and volunteering as a trustee and in dispelling some common misconceptions! On this International Day of Charity – would you consider giving back to your local community by serving on a board?

To find out more about board volunteering in Ireland or to start your board journey, visit boardmatch.ie.

Written by Paula Kelleher, Communications Officer at Boardmatch Ireland.