• 19 Feb 2025
• •
• 2 min read

Summary of research into charity trustee attitudes 2024

Alongside its findings on public trust in charities, the Charity Commission has published insights from its latest survey on charity trustees’ perspectives.

Key Findings on Trustees’ Attitudes

The research highlights that trustees place significant value on upholding public expectations of charitable conduct. Notably, 61% believe their charity should maintain higher standards due to its registered status.
Trustees generally express confidence in the Charity Commission, perceiving it as fair. Those who engage more frequently with the Commission tend to hold a more favourable opinion of its work. Encouragingly, trustees demonstrate a solid understanding of their responsibilities and decision-making processes (further guidance can be found here). They recognise their role in maintaining the charity sector’s reputation, and those familiar with the Commission’s work are typically better informed.

Areas for Improvement

Despite these positive findings, the research identifies where trustees feel less confident. Some express uncertainty about potential pitfalls, such as letting personal biases to influence decisions or avoiding difficult questions. Many also feel less assured when managing conflicts of interest or overseeing financial matters, suggesting a need for further training and support in these areas.

Artificial Intelligence

This year, the Commission explored the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the charity sector. Currently just 3% of trustees report that their charity has implemented AI, though this figure rises to 8% among larger charities with incomes exceeding £1 million. As AI continues to evolve, trustees may need to consider its potential benefits and risks for their organisations.

Banking Challenges and the Value of Social Media

The findings also reveals significant banking challenges, with 40% of trustees reporting issues in the past year. The Charity Commission has voiced serious concerns about the impact of inadequate banking support, stating earlier this year that it was “shocked but not surprised” by the “undeniable evidence” of poor service affecting many charities.

Meanwhile, trustees view social media as a crucial tool for charities, particularly for promoting fundraising events, engaging potential volunteers, marketing, and informing the public about donation opportunities. While they unanimously agree on the importance of social media, they emphasise that producing high-quality content is essential for effective engagement.

Click here for the full report and methodology from the Charity Commission.

If you have any queries or would like to discuss any of the findings raised in the report, please get in touch with a member of our Charities team.

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.