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PM3: Recruiting the best trustees

Ian Joseph, Trustees UnlimitedCaroline Armitage, Chair of Livability

Recruiting the best trusteesIan JosephTrustees Unlimited/Russam GMS

Context A lot has happened in recent years …

Charities Act 2006 – focus on public benefit

Charities Commission less light touch and more focussed on compliance

Proliferation of other entities such as CIOs and CICs

Economic storms

Scrutiny over CEO salaries

Legislation encumbering lobbying

yet ….

Principles 1. Know your destination (your charitable objects)

2. Follow the instructions (your Mem & Arts)

3. Hire the right people (your trustees)

Recruiting the ‘Best of the Best’

• Create a compelling reason but be honest• Recruitment pack• Options

• DIY – Your own network• Free service – Such as NCVO Board• A little more – TU/Reach/advertising• Blow the budget - Headhunters

• Application process• Interviews• References• Meeting board and seeing the services• Induction!

Caroline ArmitageCase Study

Livability•Overall Governance review

•Skills Audit

•Identifying succession timetable

•Internal / personal networks vs. external

•Personality challenges

•Refreshment vs. retaining the ‘DNA’ of the organisation

•Transition managment

Livability Next Steps

•Move from skills audit to profiling

•Continued management of Board size

•Continued management of trustee terms – enforcing sunset clauses

•Challenges of introducing a Trustee feedback process

Final word - diversity

Improving diversity

• Use alternative recruitment methods – not just word of mouth

• Make use of specialist job boards/ explore advertising on LinkedIn groups

• Organise board meetings at times that are convenient to all

• Have a set policy in place for expenses such as travel and childcare

• Make sure the venue in which you hold your board meetings are accessible

• Have arrangements for sign language or audio, Braille or

large print

• Set limits for trustee terms

Discuss!

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NCVO/BWB Trustee Conference 2014Developing exceptional governance