Trustee Week: The Power of Diverse Leadership
By Sandra White, CEO of Compost London
Like me I hope you are looking forward to celebrating Trustee Week. Trustee Week runs from 4th to 8th November 2024. This week gives us the time to focus on a special resource most organisations and legal structures are required to have – Your Trustees.
I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to the incredible community groups and organisations we support here at Compost London. We know that for organisations to thrive, grow, and genuinely serve their people, diverse leadership in terms of skills and abilities, is essential, and Trustees can help bring this diversity to your work. Skills such as a wealth of cultural knowledge, lived experience, and creative solutions; all of which can propel organisations forward. When leadership reflects the community it serves, the organisation can build trust, develop meaningful programmes, and foster sustainable growth.
Why Trustees Matter
For many small and emerging organisations, trustees play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction, bringing diverse skills, ensuring good governance, and safeguarding the charity’s mission. However, trustees are more than just decision-makers—they are champions of change, guiding their organisations to not only respond to community needs but also to anticipate them. Trustees bring different perspectives, skills, and lived experiences, all of which are crucial in ensuring that charities remain relevant and effective.
The Need for Diverse Trustees
We have a special responsibility to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds and careers, to step forward and take on these leadership roles. In our borough, many of the groups we support work within the South East Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority communities. Yet, in the wider charity sector, trustees from these backgrounds are underrepresented. This imbalance matters because trusteeship is not just about oversight—it’s about ensuring that the voices, cultures, and needs of the community are embedded in the fabric of an organisation.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re part of a small community group or a larger charity, there’s a need for trustees who can bring fresh perspectives, particularly from the global majority. This Trustee Week, I encourage you to consider:
- Recruiting Trustees from Diverse Backgrounds: If your board doesn’t yet reflect the diversity of the community you serve, make this a priority. Seek out individuals who bring unique insights and voices, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Becoming a Trustee: If you are passionate about community development and have the drive to make a difference, becoming a trustee is a powerful way to contribute. At Compost London, we are committed to supporting individuals interested in taking on trustee roles by offering training, mentorship, and guidance.
- Contact the Association of Chairs who are holding Peer Support Sessions for Trustees Week. Peer support session event for trustees, chairs, vice-chairs and co-chairs
Wednesday 6 November, 6 - 8pm, London
As part of Trustees’ Week, join their in-person peer session, which is open to trustees, chairs, vice-chairs and co-chairs. In this session we’ll be focusing on ‘aspiring chairs’.
If you are a new or aspiring chair looking for support to help you develop into the role? Or do you want to find your first chairing role and not sure where to start looking? Maybe you are wondering how to prepare for the recruitment process, or identify what core skills you need to have to become a chair?
Pleas join them to either learn more about the chairing role, or to share your insights as an experienced chair. Sign up here. (https://www.associationofchairs.org.uk/events/peer-support-group-session-for-london-chairs-9/)
Other support websites
https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/free-charity-and-trustee-training-courses/
The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do - GOV.UK
Events from 4 November – 8 November – Trustees Week
Supporting You on Your Trustee Journey
At Compost London, we understand that trusteeship can be a new and daunting role for some. That’s why we offer tailored support, resources, and training for trustees to build their skills and confidence. Whether you are looking to recruit trustees or are thinking about becoming one, we are here to help.
Together, we can create boards that are more inclusive, effective, and representative of the communities we serve. Let’s use this Trustee Week as an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support and develop diverse leadership within our organisations.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a trustee or recruiting for your board, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Compost London, we are here to help you grow, flourish, and make a lasting impact. So get in touch.
Let’s Build Stronger, More Inclusive Leadership Together!
Warm regards,
Sandra White
CEO, Compost London
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