““…it’s not just a case of bringing more diverse trustees on, but also then creating a sense of inclusion that allows everyone to speak up and have a robust debate… that’s how you get the most out of a Board…” - Kristina Kopic
“…there’s real challenges for charities and I think they need a different mix of skills and professionalisms to really meet that head on…” – Alison Taylor”
IIn this episode we speak with Alison Taylor, CEO of CAF Bank and CAF Charity Services, and Kristina Kopic, Head of Charity and Voluntary Sector at ICAEW. We speak about new research carried out by CAF and ICAEW on the challenges to trustee boards and what charities can learn from this. We talk about diversity on boards, what this means and what it can bring to charities at a time where many are seeing more need and less funding than ever before.
1. Challenges to charity Boards
Financial resilience and diversifying fundraising are key challenges for many of the charities that recently responded to the survey carried out by CAF and ICAEW.
The cost-of-living crisis is also playing a part in the challenges that charities are experiencing now and will likely see for the foreseeable future, both in terms of the cost of their operations and potentially limiting their future funding opportunities as donors may well start needing to tighten their belts.
There is a need for a digital strategy among charities, and for those who aren’t already looking into developing this, there is no better time to do this than now.
2. Looking for new trustees
There is an underrepresentation of a variety of demographics on charity boards, and a recognition that diversity of board members, as well as diversity of thought, are key for charities to do the best by those they are seeking to support.
When it comes to finding new candidates for your charity Board there are a number of resources already available, including the ICAEW volunteers website, Reach Volunteering and various others. But aside from relying on a Google search by interested applicants, charities can also consider proactive ways of reaching out to possible candidates among their corporate partners and service users.
So, if you are looking to do something to support the sector as a whole and the efforts of the many thousands of charities seeking to address the growing needs that we have in our society, putting yourself forward as a trustee might be the right thing to do.
3. Tools
Trustee Training Modules - ICAEW's free online training provides a learning space where you can explore the knowledge and skills required to be an effective charity trustee through a range of reading materials, video recordings and reflective activities. Free for all, this is a perfect addition to your charity’s trustee induction programme: https://www.icaew.com/technical/volunteering-community/trustee-training-modules
ICAEW Volunteers is a dedicated website that connects charities with finance professionals looking for volunteer roles. The service is free for all not-for-profit organisations and volunteers to use. Post or find a volunteer role today: https://volunteer.icaew.com/
This episode of Charity Chat has been brought to you by our platinum sponsor Work for Good. Work for Good believes everyone should be able to turn the work they do into good. Through their fundraising platform, they offer charities a way to engage and work with small businesses, including founders, owners and sole traders who want to make an impact for charities through their sales. To find out more, please visit workforgood.co.uk.
We hope you enjoy this week’s episode.
Related episodes that you may be interested in:
E133 - Is There An Alternative Charity Governance Model With Philip Kirkpatrick -
E146 - Diversifying our sector with Kemar Walford -
E190 - De-biased hiring with Khyati Sundaram -
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