Strengthening Trustee Engagement: Best Practices for charity leaders
In order for charities to achieve their strategic objectives, trustees play a crucial role. It can be tough for many organisations to keep trustees engaged and motivated. Trustees are often busy professionals who volunteer on boards, balancing their roles with other responsibilities. Therefore, it's crucial to engage them to make sure they contribute effectively.
Here are some suggestions charity leaders can follow to keep trustees engaged.
1. Communicate effectively
Communicating clearly and consistently is key to trustee engagement. It's important to keep trustees updated on the charity's progress, strategic plans, and challenges. Not only does this keep them in the loop, but it also makes them feel valued and involved.
A combination of regular board meetings and digital platforms that let trustees easily access information is an effective way to keep them informed. As highlighted by Think NPC, digital tools such as board management software enable trustees to access reports, meeting agendas, and other important documents anytime, which can help them stay engaged and prepared.
2. Develop strong relationships
Creating a collaborative environment requires strong relationships between trustees and staff. As critical friends, trustees should offer constructive feedback while providing the support the charity needs. An open culture of discussion and feedback leads to better decisions and a more united leadership team.
According to CAF Online, trustees should be able to listen to other board members, staff, and beneficiaries, fostering mutual trust and respect. Encouraging trustees to ask probing questions while also being open to feedback can significantly enhance the quality of governance and decision-making.
3. Get the Trustees on board with the charity's mission
To be fully engaged, trustees need to be aligned with the charity's mission. In addition to expertise, insights, and networks, trustees need to feel a personal connection to the charity's mission. Lack of understanding or buy-in can lead to disengagement.
You can foster this connection by helping trustees understand how their skills and experience contribute to the charity's success. As mentioned by Charity Digital, creating opportunities for trustees to get involved beyond board meetings—such as attending fundraising events or leveraging their networks—can make them feel more invested in the organization’s success. This not only strengthens their commitment but also extends their impact beyond their formal duties.
4. Leverage Digital Tools for Ongoing Engagement
Because trustees meet infrequently, keeping them engaged between meetings can be tough. Connecting and informing trustees can be made easier with digital tools. Using platforms that centralise board communication and documentation, trustees can easily access important materials at any time.
Charity Digital emphasises the importance of building digital capacity within trustee boards, noting that even those with limited tech experience can benefit from these tools. Additionally, appointing a digital champion—someone who can promote the use of digital strategies—can help keep the board up to date with the latest technological innovations and communication methods (Charity Digital).
Any charity's long-term success depends on engaging trustees effectively. Charity leaders and the senior leadership team play a big role in building strong trustee relationships through clear communication, relationship-building, strategic alignment, and digital tools. By implementing these best practices, leaders can help ensure that trustees remain informed, motivated, and deeply connected to the charity’s mission.
As a result, trustees who are engaged and aligned with the charity's goals will provide the direction and leadership needed for it to succeed.