The Impact of Young Trustees

Trustees play a critical role in steering a charity and ensuring operational effectiveness. Traditionally, trustees have been seasoned professionals, with years of experience, but there is a growing recognition that people of all ages and from all backgrounds can have something equally valid to contribute to trustee boards. Bringing younger people into your charity can be a positive move for all concerned! Currently, less that 3% of charity trustees are under the age of 30, making it difficult for boards to be truly representative.

Fresh perspectives & Innovation:

Young trustees can bring fresh perspectives to your board – looking at things in ways that may not have occurred to existing members. If your board is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place, they can challenge the status quo and introduce innovative ideas.

Different age groups tend to have different interests and use different websites and social media channels. Younger people are likely to have a different perspective on contemporary issues, technologies and cultural trends, allowing them to spot opportunities and threats that may not be evident to others. In the rapidly changing world we live in, this can help you stay relevant and responsive.

Digital competence:

These days, like it or not, technology is everywhere! Schools have well-equipped multi-media suites – a long way from the single BBC Basic computer at my Junior School! Put simply, younger trustees will have grown up with technology being very much a part of everyday life and are likely to possess a high degree of digital competence, understanding social media, digital marketing and the importance of data analytics.

Digital expertise can really help charities looking to modernise operations, improve communication strategies and engage a wider audience. Young trustees can lead initiatives to upgrade your charity’s digital infrastructure.

Inclusive boards:

Young trustees will help in making your board more diverse and better represent the community you are serving. Young people are often under-represented in decision-making roles, but can frequently be beneficiaries or key stakeholders of many charitable initiatives. Younger trustees will offer a lot to any board, but particularly to those of charities working with younger people. They can provide first-hand insights, helping to develop more relevant and impactful programmes.

Succession planning & Sustainability:

Having younger trustees on your board can also be a strategic move for long term sustainability; as existing trustees retire or step down, having some younger, yet experienced, trustees waiting in the wings can be a real asset and ensure continuity and stability.

Increased engagement and energy:

Young trustees can be great role models and advocates, encouraging other younger people to get involved as future trustees and volunteers. They can bring an infectious energy and enthusiasm to their roles.

Want to know more?

Take a look at the Young Trustees Movement: Young Trustees Movement

Search for a Trustee role on GoVolHerts: https://www.govolherts.org.uk/trustee-opportunities