Trustees play a crucial role in steering their charities towards achieving their goals. However, the responsibilities and challenges faced by charity trustees can often be complex and multifaceted. One effective way to navigate these challenges and enhance the impact of their work is by connecting and networking with trustees from other charitable organisations.
This article sets out a variety of ways in which this can be beneficial and provides some useful starting points to help you expand your network.
Expanding your charity network
Sharing Best Practices
Networking with trustees from other charities provides a valuable opportunity to share best practices. Each charity operates differently, and trustees can learn a lot from the experiences and strategies of their peers. Whether it’s innovative fundraising techniques, effective governance models or successful community engagement strategies, sharing knowledge can lead to improved practices across the board.
Gaining New Perspectives
Trustees often come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique perspectives to their roles. By connecting with trustees from different charities, individuals can gain fresh insights and ideas that they might not have considered otherwise. This diversity of thought can lead to more creative solutions and better decision-making.
Collaborative Opportunities
Networking can open doors to collaborative opportunities between charities. Trustees who connect with their peers may identify areas where their organisations can work together on joint initiatives, share resources, or support each other’s missions. Collaboration can amplify the impact of charitable efforts and lead to more significant outcomes.
Staying Informed
The charity sector is constantly evolving, with new regulations and guidance emerging regularly. By staying connected with other trustees, individuals can stay informed about the latest developments in the sector. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that their own charity remains compliant, relevant and effective.
Professional Development
Engaging with other trustees can also contribute to personal and professional development. Trustees can learn new skills, gain confidence in their roles, and stay motivated by seeing the positive impact of their work. Networking events and conferences provide excellent opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
Enhancing Governance
Effective governance is at the heart of a successful charity. By discussing governance practices with other trustees, individuals can identify areas for improvement within their own boards. This can lead to stronger governance structures, better accountability and ultimately, a more effective organisation.
Ways to connect with other charity trustees
- Join Trustee Networks: Trethowans offers ‘Trustee Networks’, where Trustees can meet and discuss and share roles ideas and issues. Joining these networks can provide access to events, resources, and a community of peers. Details of upcoming events can be found here.
- Attend Conferences and Workshops: Look for conferences, workshops and seminars focused on charity governance and trustee development. These events are excellent opportunities to meet other trustees and learn from experts in the field.
- Engage in Online Communities: Online platforms and forums dedicated to charity governance can be valuable spaces for networking and discussion. Participating in these communities can help trustees stay connected and informed.
- Join Committees: There are a number of organisations within the sector looking for volunteers to sit on committees to share their knowledge and experiences.
- Attend in-person events: Many events are organised either by organisations within the sector, or those who work with the sector.
- Organise Peer Meetings: Consider organising regular meetings or informal gatherings with trustees from other charities in your area. These meetings can be a space for open discussion, idea sharing and mutual support.
- Join The Forum for Charities: The Forum for Charities supports charity trustees and management teams, offering free legal updates, insights and advice. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email [email protected].
By sharing experiences, learning from each other and collaborating, trustees can enhance their effectiveness and contribute to the success of their organisations. As a trustee, taking the time to build these connections can lead to a more rewarding and impactful experience.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend seeking professional advice before taking any action on the information provided. If you would like to discuss your specific circumstances, please feel free to contact us on 0800 2800 421.
