Issues facing trustee recruitment & recommendations

The OSCR Scottish Charity Survey for 2022 reveals significant insights into the state of the charity sector in Scotland, highlighting both positive developments and areas that require our attention. Trust and confidence in charities, as well as the role of volunteers and trustees, have been at the forefront of this survey. Here are some key findings and recommendations for addressing the issues facing trustee recruitment:

1. Trust in Charities with Paid Staff and Volunteers

The survey indicates that trust in charities has increased between 2020 and 2022. This is the case in charities run solely by volunteers or a mix of paid staff and volunteers, but the rise is greater for charities with paid staff. Small charities were more likely to curtail services during COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis, which could increase distrust and the public view of smaller charities. The findings suggest that further research is needed to understand the variation in public trust in charities.

2. Involvement of Volunteers and Trustees

Almost three quarters of charities engage volunteers in addition to their trustees, with a further 25% involved trustees only in 2022. The proportion of charities with both trustees and volunteers in other roles has increased between 2018 and 2022. It could be that volunteering programmes here are more susceptible to change; through reduced staffing (during the pandemic), higher costs or cuts to funding (during the cost-of-living crisis). This may also be indicative of volunteer recruitment issues facing these organizations.

3. Recruitment of Volunteers and Trustees

Recruitment of both volunteers and trustees features in the top three issues faced by charities in 2022 (74% of charities involve both volunteers and trustees and 25% trustees only). Public respondents provide insight into why they are ‘put off’ of trustee roles with their top three reasons being: I’ve never thought about it (39%), I don’t know enough about what it would involve (31%), and I don’t want to take on the responsibility – (30%). Smaller income charities were more affected by volunteer recruitment issues, as were charities without paid staff. The increased ‘visibility’ of larger organisations with established ‘brands’ for prospective volunteers may also help to explain this finding.

4. Focus on Trustees

In 2022, 4% of public respondents were engaged as charity trustees or in management roles. The involvement of 17-24-year-olds and adults in charities is encouraging, allowing for succession planning and fresh perspectives. Moreover, the proportion of trustees and management members within charities is on the rise, with 13% of public respondents considering becoming trustees.

Recommendations

To address the issues facing trustee recruitment and bolster the charity sector:

1. Diversify Trustee Recruitment: Encourage charities to diversify their trustee boards in terms of age, skills, and experiences. The increase in younger trustees is promising and can bring fresh perspectives.
2. Support Smaller Charities: Provide tailored support to smaller income charities, which face greater volunteer and trustee recruitment challenges. This support can include training programs and mentorship.
3. Collaborative Recruitment Efforts: Promote collaborative efforts among charities to pool resources and find potential trustees and volunteers. Sharing best practices can alleviate recruitment issues.
4. Promote the Value of Trusteeship: Enhance awareness of the value trustees bring to charities. Recognize the contribution of trustees, which may attract more individuals to take on these roles.

In conclusion, the OSCR Scottish Charity Survey has brought to light critical issues facing trustee recruitment in the charity sector. By implementing these recommendations, we can ensure a vibrant and resilient charitable ecosystem that continues to serve the needs of the Scottish public effectively. Let's work together to make a positive impact in the charity sector!

Article by Kelly Eagle, Volunteer Scotland Research Officer