Yes, trustees are volunteers
Last week was Trustees Week in the UK. It was the thirteenth year the week was held, marking the hard work and achievements of nearly one million trustees across the home nations.
Historically, I’ve had a bit of an issue with Trustees Week, as it rarely seems to do much to acknowledge that trustees and board members are actually volunteers.
In the past, it’s almost felt like their voluntary nature was a bit of an embarrassment for the sector.
I was, therefore, delighted to see NCVO explicitly acknowledge volunteers as trustees during Trustees Week 2022.
I was even more delighted to see a whole day dedicated to the voluntary nature of board members this year.
In case you missed it, Thursday 9th November was “Volunteers leading volunteers” day, with an event dedicated to exploring, “…the unique role of trustees as volunteers and how engaging in good environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices helps our volunteering go further”.
Linked to the Vision for Volunteering, there was a strong acknowledgement that:
“The charity sector is built by millions of volunteers – but we sometimes forget we’re also led by them.”
This is a huge and positive step forward.
Well done NCVO. Well done!
Experienced, Passionate and Innovative Senior leader bringing 25 years of strategic and operational excellence to the best known UK charities.
1 年The recognition of volunteer contribution and impact is always great news but was there any doubt either by trustees, volunteer professionals or charity CEO’s and execs that this is the case? Seems much less of a gotcha moment more like an opportunity celebrate the what trustees have to offer, highlighting need to capable trustees and sharing best practice. First I’ve heard of trustees week right enough, none for next year!! ??
Charity Advisor
1 年Never for one moment, have I ever thought Trustees are not Volunteers!