The Charity Commission, in collaboration with Pro Bono Economics, recently released their research into trusteeship and the trustee population. This research was undertaken to gain a deeper understanding of the trustee population across England and Wales.
The primary aim was to explore the composition, skills, and experiences of individuals serving on charity boards, and to assess how representative this group is of the wider public. By examining the demographics of trustees, the study sought to identify patterns and disparities in participation, particularly in relation to age, ethnicity, socio-economic background, and professional experience.
In addition to demographic insights, the research aimed to uncover the motivations that drive individuals to become trustees, as well as the barriers that may prevent others from engaging.
Key findings
The research revealed that the trustee population in England and Wales is not fully representative of the wider public. It concluded that trustees remain predominantly older, white, and drawn from professional or managerial backgrounds. This demographic profile highlights a significant underrepresentation of younger individuals, people from ethnic minority communities, and those from lower socio-economic groups.
In terms of skills and experience, trustees bring a strong foundation in areas such as finance, law, and strategic management. However, the report identified notable gaps in digital expertise, fundraising capabilities, and lived experience relevant to the communities served by charities. These gaps suggest a need for more diverse recruitment strategies to ensure boards are equipped to meet modern challenges.
The motivations for becoming a trustee were largely altruistic, with many individuals expressing a desire to give back to society and support causes they care about. Despite this, the research found that many potential trustees are deterred by barriers such as a lack of awareness about opportunities, time constraints, and a perception that trusteeship is only accessible to certain types of people.
Recruitment practices were also highlighted as a contributing factor to the lack of diversity. Many trustees are appointed through informal networks, which can reinforce existing homogeneity and limit access for those outside traditional circles.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of promoting inclusive recruitment, raising awareness of the benefits of trusteeship, and providing support and training to help new trustees thrive in their roles.
Recommendations
The report outlines several key recommendations aimed at strengthening the trustee population and improving the overall effectiveness and inclusivity of charity governance. A central recommendation is the need to broaden access to trusteeship by promoting more inclusive and transparent recruitment practices. This includes moving away from informal, network-based approaches and instead adopting open recruitment methods that actively seek out individuals from underrepresented groups.
To support this goal, PEM recommends reviewing research such as “Who gets a say in how charities are run? Broadening access to trusteeship” by Pro Bono Economics. This article offers valuable insights into the structural barriers that limit access to trustee roles and highlights practical initiatives—such as the Young Trustees Movement and Getting on Board—that can help build more diverse and representative boards.
Another major recommendation is to raise awareness of trusteeship as a valuable and accessible opportunity for personal and professional development.
The report suggests that more should be done to communicate the benefits of becoming a trustee, particularly to younger people, ethnic minorities, and those from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
The Charity Commission also recommends enhancing the support available to trustees, especially those new to the role. This includes providing better access to training, guidance, and peer networks to help trustees build confidence and competence in their responsibilities.
Additionally, the report encourages charities to recognise and value a broader range of skills and lived experiences, which can enrich board discussions and decision-making.
Finally, the report calls for continued efforts to monitor and evaluate the diversity and effectiveness of charity boards, using data to inform future policy and practice. These recommendations are intended to ensure that trusteeship remains a positive, impactful, and inclusive opportunity for all.
Charity Commission guidance on finding and appointing trustees (CC30) was also updated in May 2025 to reflect good practice on trustee recruitment and provide support and guidance to Charity Boards.
Learn more and get advice
Get in touch with our Charities team if you’re looking to learn more about how this could affect your charity or non-profit organisation.
Please note that this content is not intended to give specific technical advice. It is designed to highlight some of the key issues rather than provide an exhaustive explanation of the topics. Professional advice should always be sought before action is either taken or refrained from as a result of information contained herein.
