Navigating trustee recruitment in 2025

As we navigate through 2025, the charity sector faces a host of challenges and opportunities. One of the most pressing issues is the recruitment of trustees, a critical component for the effective governance and sustainability of charities.

Below we explore the latest concerns in the charity sector and how these concerns should be considered when looking at Trustee Recruitment. In the current landscape, charities require strong, skilled and diverse boards more than ever.

Economic Pressures and Cost Efficiency 

The economic climate remains a significant concern for charities. With high inflation and interest rates, organisations are under pressure to manage increasing operating costs while meeting the growing demand for services.

This financial strain necessitates a focus on cost efficiency, not just in fundraising but across all operations. For trustee recruitment, this means finding individuals who can bring financial acumen and strategic thinking to help navigate these economic challenges. 

Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation

The rapid pace of technological change presents both challenges and opportunities for charities. Digital transformation is essential for improving operational efficiency and engaging with donors and beneficiaries. Trustees with expertise in technology and digital strategy are increasingly valuable. They can guide charities in leveraging technology to enhance their impact and ensure they remain relevant in a digital-first world.

Shifting Donor Expectations and Engagement

Donor expectations are evolving, with a greater emphasis on transparency, impact, and personalised engagement. Trustees play a crucial role in shaping the organisation’s approach to donor relations. Recruiting trustees who understand these changing dynamics and can foster strong, trust-based relationships with donors is vital. This includes utilising data analytics to analyse donor data and fundraising metrics. This analysis can help a board to understand donor behaviour and make informed decisions based on this insight.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are paramount in trustee recruitment. A diverse board brings a range of perspectives and experiences, which can enhance decision-making and better reflect the communities served by the charity. However, achieving diversity requires intentional efforts. Charities must actively seek out candidates from underrepresented groups and create an inclusive environment where all trustees feel valued and heard.

Regulatory and Governance Challenges

The regulatory environment for charities is becoming increasingly complex. Trustees must navigate a landscape of stringent compliance requirements and governance standards. This underscores the need for trustees with legal and regulatory expertise who can ensure the charity adheres to all relevant laws and best practices. Additionally, ongoing training and development for trustees are essential to keep them informed of the latest regulatory changes.

Strategies for Effective Trustee Recruitment 

• Complete a skill audit of the current board: Determine what skills are already held by the board and compare these to the desired skills the board want on the board in order to direct recruitment.
• Define the Role Clearly: Clearly outline the skills, experience, and attributes required for the trustee role. This helps attract candidates who are well-suited to the organisation’s needs. One of the barriers to trustee recruitment is the misconception about workload and lack of flexibility in meeting schedules, especially for professionals already balancing multiple responsibilities. Therefore, adverts would benefit from transparent information about the time commitments and levels of flexibility offered to enable a candidate to assess whether they are suitable for such a role. The shift towards remote work and virtual meetings has opened up new possibilities for trustee recruitment. Charities can now attract candidates from a wider geographic area, increasing the pool of potential trustees. 
• Leverage Networks and Partnerships: Utilise existing networks and partnerships to identify potential trustees. Building partnerships with other organisations can help charities identify and recruit trustees. Collaborative networks can facilitate the sharing of best practices and connect charities with potential candidates. 
• Promote the Role Widely: Advertise trustee vacancies on multiple platforms, including charity job boards, social media, and professional networks. This increases visibility and attracts a diverse range of applicants. By showcasing your charity’s impact and the benefits of becoming a trustee, charities can attract motivated individuals who are passionate about their cause. 
• Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Ensure a rigorous selection process that includes background checks and interviews. This helps verify the suitability of candidates and their commitment to the charity’s mission. 
• Provide Ongoing Support and Development: Offer training and development opportunities for trustees to enhance their skills and knowledge. This ensures they can effectively contribute to the charity’s governance and strategic direction and can make such a role more attractive for potential candidates to apply. Charities can provide trustees with access to workshops, networking events, and resources to enhance their skills and knowledge. 

In conclusion, trustee recruitment in 2025 requires a strategic and proactive approach. By addressing the latest concerns in the charity sector and implementing effective recruitment strategies, charities can build strong, diverse, and capable boards that are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

Signposted below are a number of resources that may be useful: 

• Reach volunteering

• Honorary treasurers

• ICAEW

• Gov.UK guide on finding new trustees

If you would like further advice about any of the topics covered in this article, please do get in touch with a member of our team who will be more than happy to assist you.