Preparing for a Trustee Interview

Dawn Bainbridge is a Senior Engagement Manager at the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

With nearly 170,000 registered charities in the UK and a further 20,000 organisations with charitable status, trustees play a crucial role in ensuring that the organisations they govern operate effectively, ethically, and in the best interests of its beneficiaries and the broader community. Their commitment and dedication are essential to the impact and sustainable function of charities and non-profits.

However, the sector is struggling to recruit and retain trustees, particularly from diverse backgrounds. It is estimated that over half of the UK’s charities have a Trustee vacancy.

People become a Trustee for different reasons; you may have lived experience or been a beneficiary of a particular charity; or you may want to gain leadership skills and experience.

Whatever your reasons, becoming a trustee offers a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It allows you to make a positive impact on causes you are passionate about, contribute to the charity's mission and give back to your community. As a trustee, you can use your expertise for the greater good, and gain valuable personal development, including leadership and networking opportunities. Involvement in charity work can support career development and provides the chance to inspire others, positively influence the charity's direction, and create a sense of purpose that contributes to positive outcomes for communities.

Before considering trusteeship, it's important to understand the responsibilities and duties associated with the role. The Charity Commission provides guidance for Trustees on what’s involved and your legal responsibilities, and there are several courses available for you to learn more about the role (Cause4’s Trustee Leadership Programme is one example). Essentially, Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of a charity. They must ensure the charity operates in line with its objectives, complies with laws and regulations, manages resources responsibly, and pursues its charitable purposes for public benefit.

Many organisations post Trustee roles on Job Boards including Trustees Unlimited, Getting On Board, Guardian Trustee Board. Much like paid roles, there is an application process which typically involves submitting an application form or CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experiences, and motivations for becoming a trustee. It's important to thoroughly read the role description and application instructions for the vacancy you're interested in and tailor your application accordingly.

So, you’ve found your perfect Trustee role, completed the application, and have been invited to an interview. Congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare!

• Research: Demonstrate your interest and commitment to the charity's cause by researching its mission, values, and current projects or activities. Look them up on the Charity Commission or Companies House for their constitution and latest accounts. Explore their website and social media channels to learn more about what they’re up to on a daily basis. You can also google the organisation to bring up news articles written from different perspectives. Understanding the charity's context and goals will enable you to tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate your alignment with its objectives.
   
• Treat it like a paid role: A Trustee interview is no different to an interview for a paid role. Most trustee vacancies come with a person specification outlining the skills, experiences, and qualities sought in candidates. Carefully review the person specification to identify the key competencies required for the role. Reflect on your own experiences, skills, and achievements, and prepare examples that demonstrate how you meet each criterion. Be ready to provide specific instances where you have demonstrated the desired skills, such as leadership, strategic thinking, financial competence, or stakeholder engagement.
   
• Anticipate common questions: While every trustee interview is unique, there are common questions that often arise. Anticipate questions about your motivation for becoming a trustee, your understanding of the charity's mission and challenges, your relevant skills and experiences, and your approach to governance and decision-making. Prepare responses that demonstrate your passion for the charity's cause and your ability to contribute effectively to its success.
   
• Ask questions: The interview is as much an opportunity for you to find out if the charity is the right fit for you as it is for them to learn more about you. Whilst Trustees are voluntary, you will have a legal responsibility, so don’t be afraid to ask tough questions around the charity’s finances, governance and culture. You may also want to ask about the organisation’s strategic direction and ambitions, how often the Trustees meet and any additional time commitments.
   
• Practice and rehearse: Practice makes perfect, so take the time to rehearse your responses to potential interview questions. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend, family member, or mentor to simulate the interview experience and receive constructive feedback. Practice speaking clearly and confidently. Remember to tailor your responses to the specific context of the charity and the trustee position.

What unique skills or experiences do you bring to the table as a potential trustee, and how do you plan to use them to benefit the charity during your trusteeship?

Let us know @TrusteeLeaders