The Charity Commission chair has said he is pleased with trustees’ knowledge of their duties after more than 54,000 people answered the regulator’s quiz.
On 25 September, the Commission published a quiz to test trustees’ knowledge of their duties and responsibilities, as part of a campaign that runs until 12 November.
Yesterday, Orlando Fraser reported that more than 54,000 people had taken the quiz so far and had scored an average of just over eight out of 10.
Fraser said that he was “pretty pleased by that so far” and encouraged more trustees to take the quiz if they have not done so yet.
Trustees are ‘critical’ to the charity ecosystem
Speaking during a webinar hosted by Getting on Board, a charity that supports people to become trustees, Fraser said that “trustees are critical to the charity ecosystem in England and Wales”.
“Their contribution helps shape the character, wellbeing and resilience of our communities, meeting the needs of beneficiaries across the country, and in some cases across the world.”
Fraser said there are nearly one million trustees across the country, adding: “Your service deserves to be recognised and I’m delighted that Trustees’ Week [6-10 November] gives us the opportunity to shine a light on you. You’re leading the way where, for the good of society, many more needs to follow.”
‘Many voices are required to enable our sector to thrive’
Fraser said that he is keen to explore “what more could be done to broaden the appeal of trustees into the widest range of people”, especially as some charities are struggling to recruit new trustees.
“Many voices are required to enable our sector to thrive. So, the Commission is keen to see more people step up to serve their communities as trustees, and trust that more will do so to fill their social obligations to society.”
He added that diversity at board levels contributes to “diverse thinking, and that’s what really improves thinking and helps your charity and cause”.
“As with each challenge facing the charity sector, we’re continually engaging with stakeholders to further understand the issues involved, as well as encouraging the sector to think proactively about how to encourage more people from all backgrounds to seek trusteeship and serve alongside them.”
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