General FAQs
What is the cost of the training?
Both the Trustee Leadership Programme and the Emerging Chairs Programme cost £85 + VAT. If you would like to add the Institute of Leadership & Management (IoL) certification, the additional cost is £60 + VAT.
How do I access a bursary?
Bursary places are available to anyone from a background currently underrepresented in fundraising or governance, or who is unable to afford a full-price place. To apply, you will need to complete a short expression of interest form. If you meet the criteria, the bursary reduces the price of a ticket to £10 + VAT. For more details, contact the team at trusteeleadership@cause4.co.uk.
What do I get if I pay for a Certificate with IoL?
Both programmes are approved by the Institute of Leadership & Management (IoL). On completion of the course, you can opt to receive certification, which provides a valuable way to demonstrate your continuing professional development (CPD) and showcase your commitment to effective board leadership. Certificates are currently provided in PDF format only.
Do you offer any group discounts?
If you would like to book as a group, please contact us at trusteeleadership@cause4.co.uk and we can discuss your options.
How practical is the training? Will it give me tools I can use straight away?
The programmes are designed to be highly practical, with real-world insights from experienced charity leaders. Participants consistently describe the training as clear, useful, and directly applicable to the challenges trustees and chairs face.
Three hours feels like a long time to look at a screen. Will there be breaks?
Yes, although each session runs for three hours, they include breaks to ensure the training remains engaging and manageable.
Will I learn from real-life case studies or just theory?
You’ll learn from both. The programmes combine a clear overview of trustee and chair responsibilities with practical examples, expert insights, and Q&A opportunities. Past participants have highlighted the guest speakers and real-world context as especially valuable.
Will I get the chance to connect with other charity leaders?
The training sessions are interactive and include time for Q&A, giving you the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and engage with other participants from across the charity sector.
Emerging Chairs Programme
Is the course suitable for existing Chairs?
The programme is designed to support both current and aspiring Chairs. Existing Chairs will benefit from refreshing their knowledge, reflecting on their leadership style, and learning practical tools to address the unique challenges of chairing a board.
I’m not a Chair, can I come on the course?
Yes, if you are an experienced trustee who is considering stepping up into a Chair role. The course is intended both for those preparing to take on Chair responsibilities and for those already in post.
I’ve never been a Trustee before, can I come on the course?
The programme is specifically for current or former trustees who already have experience of board governance. If you are new to trusteeship, we recommend starting with the Trustee Leadership Programme before progressing to this course.
What does the course cover?
Across two interactive half-day sessions, the programme covers the key responsibilities and skills required to chair a board effectively, including:
- Leading a Board of Trustees
- Supporting the Senior Management Team
- Developing a Long-Term Business Plan and Strategy
- Fundraising and Marketing
- Challenges for Charity Chairs
You’ll also have opportunities for Q&A with expert facilitators and peers.
How long does the programme take to complete and how is it structured?
The programme runs virtually over two sessions across two days; each session lasts for 3 hours. Each session blends expert input, real-world examples and discussion to ensure learning is practical and engaging.
Do I need to complete all five modules or can I pick and choose?
Participants should complete the full programme. The five modules are designed to build on each other, giving a comprehensive overview of the Chair role. This ensures you leave the course confident and well-prepared for board leadership.
Do you offer any follow-up support or resources?
The Emerging Chairs Programme provides two in-depth training sessions with extensive time for Q&A, so participants can raise specific challenges about board leadership. Following the course, we will share slides and resources on topics discussed during the session and for further information or support, participants are welcome to contact the Cause4 team directly at trusteeleadership@cause4.co.uk.
I completed the Trustee Leadership Programme already. Is this course different?
Yes, it’s different. While the Trustee Leadership Programme provides a foundation in governance and trusteeship, the Emerging Chairs Programme focuses specifically on the leadership role of a Chair. It explores how to lead a board, support senior management, and navigate the unique challenges of charity leadership.
Is the programme aimed only at new chairs, or will experienced chairs also benefit?
New or aspiring Chairs will gain clarity and confidence in stepping up, while experienced Chairs will benefit from structured reflection, updated sector knowledge, and practical strategies to strengthen their leadership.
Trustee Leadership Programme
Why should I do this formal training instead of learning as I go?
Becoming a trustee carries significant legal, financial, and strategic responsibilities. This award-winning programme equips you with the essential knowledge and confidence from the outset, ensuring you can make an immediate, informed contribution to any board. You’ll benefit from expert-led insights, interactive discussions, and practical examples that would take years to acquire through experience alone.
Is the course suitable for existing Trustees?
Yes. Many participants are already trustees who want to deepen their understanding of governance, strengthen their leadership skills, or refresh their knowledge of best practice. The interactive format allows experienced trustees to ask questions about real challenges they face.
I’ve never been a Trustee before, can I come on the course?
Absolutely. The programme is specifically designed to support those considering their first trusteeship. The course will demystify the role, explain the responsibilities clearly, and we can provide additional tailored matching support to help you identify opportunities aligned with your skills and interests.
Is the programme aimed only at new trustees, or will experienced trustees also benefit?
The programme is designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced trustees. New trustees gain confidence and clarity about their responsibilities, while experienced trustees benefit from sector updates, governance refreshers, and opportunities to reflect on best practice with peers.
What does the course cover?
The programme runs across two half-day sessions and covers:
- The charity sector and the importance of trusteeship
- Governance and strategic planning
- Financial management
- An introduction to fundraising
You’ll also benefit from Q&A opportunities with sector experts and bespoke trustee matching support.
How long does the programme take to complete and how is it structured?
The programme consists of two online sessions, held across two days, each session lasting 3 hours. Each session combines expert-led teaching, case studies and discussion, allowing you to learn in an engaging and interactive way.
Do you offer any follow-up support or resources?
Yes, we do. In addition to the training sessions, participants can receive bespoke matching support to connect with trustee opportunities aligned to their skills, interests, and location. You’ll also have access to resources and ongoing contact with the Cause4 team for queries related to governance and trusteeship.
Who delivers the training – are the trainers experience trustees themselves?
The programme is delivered by Cause4, in partnership with the Clothworkers’ Company, and draws on the expertise of experienced trustees and sector leaders. The trainer, Michelle Wright, CEO and founder of Cause4, brings real-world perspectives from across the charity sector, ensuring the training is practical, relevant, and grounded in lived trustee experience.
For any further questions, please contact trusteeleadership@cause4.co.uk