NCVO has said there is a “trustee crisis” after reporting that four in five charities in England and Wales are operating with at least one vacant position on their boards.
Its report, published today, says that trustee vacancies are causing “significant” skill gaps, governance issues and stress, especially for smaller charities.
Meanwhile, Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth thanked all charity board members in England and Wales in a blog also published today to mark the start of Trustees’ Week.
Small charities most affected
Most of the 294 charities in England and Wales that were surveyed by NCVO reported two or more vacancies, with one-third stating that some vacancies have been unfilled for more than a year.
Charities with an income of less than £100,000 were affected the most, with 60% reporting vacancies lasting over six months.
Some 60% of charities said that unfilled trustee vacancies were hindering effective decision-making and growth.
Meanwhile, 45% of charities said that vacancies were causing stress and anxiety among board members, with trustees feeling overwhelmed and overworked.
Lack of representation
The survey, released at the start of Trustees’ Week, also found that 61% of charities said their biggest concern was the underrepresentation of young people on their board, while 50% said a lack of ethnic representation was their main problem.
Some 35% said a lack of disability representation topped their concerns while 31% were mainly worried about a lack of technical skills.
Sarah Elliott, NCVO chief executive, said: “It’s crucial for boards to reflect the communities they serve.
“The lack of diversity in age, ethnicity, and a diverse range of expertise not only creates skills gaps but also limits charities’ capacity to truly meet the needs of those they aim to support.
“The consequences of this trustee crisis go far beyond governance – they threaten the essential support that countless individuals rely on every day.”
Addressing ‘lost opportunities’
Elliott said: “These vacancies are more than just empty chairs – they represent lost opportunities to strengthen the charities our communities rely on.
“When boards lack diverse skills and perspectives, it hampers their ability to make effective decisions, putting vital services at risk.
“This is especially true for smaller charities where the workload falls on fewer individuals.
“We need to find ways to tell inspiring stories about trusteeship to show others how impactful this role can be. By connecting with underrepresented groups and clearly outlining what being a trustee entails, we can invite fresh perspectives and talent to the table.”
The report suggests charities should target underrepresented groups in their recruitment efforts, better communicate the duty and benefits of being a trustee and expand their hiring outreach to reach a wider pool of candidates.
Trustees’ Week
Trustees’ Week falls between 4 and 8 November this year. It’s a week to celebrate and thank trustees for the time and effort they put into their charities.
Holdsworth wrote in a blog: “As we begin Trustees’ Week 2024, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of thousands of you in England and Wales who take on this role for the good of others.
“It’s been a privilege to see what incredible work you do. The vast majority of you are unpaid volunteers, and all of you are driven by a fierce commitment to public service.
“And as trustees, you are the ones tasked with ensuring that these charities thrive, rising to meet the great variety of internal and external pressures they might face.
“During Trustees’ Week this year, I wanted to reflect this pride back – and to acknowledge the huge contribution, commitment and passion of charity trustees throughout England and Wales.
“Thank you from all of us at the Charity Commission and on behalf of all those you make a difference to.”
