This is a speech given by Ed Marsh, our Senior Charity Adviser, at the recent Trustees’ Week Reception…
Good evening everyone.
It’s such a joy to get together this evening, during Trustees’ Week 2025, and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of charity trustees. Whether you’re a trustee, volunteer, work for a charity, or support in another way, we’re delighted you’re here. Without your hard work, dedication and commitment, there simply wouldn’t be a charity sector.
In England and Wales there are over 171,000 registered charities, and many more that are too small to be registered or exempt from registration. Together they involve around 923,000 trustee roles, 6.8 million volunteers, 1.3 million employees, and spend over £100 billion each year for the public good.
Behind those vast numbers, what’s wonderful about the sector is its diversity. Charities come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some employ hundreds of people; others have just a handful of volunteers. Each has a unique mission to benefit society in some way.
The Chief Executive of the Charity Commission recently said:
‘Charities are at the beating heart of our nation, supporting us from cradle to grave, protecting our heritage and our environment, strengthening communities, and standing with those most in need.’
Here tonight, we have charities involved in:
- Alzheimer’s Research
- Finding families for children through adoption
- Advancing health and education in Ethiopia
- Aiding refugees
- Counselling services and mental health support
- Promoting education in the arts among young and disabled people
- Youth and community provision
- Churches and other faith organisations
- Supporting animals and their owners in times of domestic crisis
- Providing community swimming pools and gym facilities
- Assisting people with a primary or secondary immunodeficiency
- Helping women working in the sex industry
- Ending homelessness
Such a range, but what we all have in common is purpose, a desire to use our resources, however big or small, for the good of others.
There are unsung heroes behind every charity. They are the charity’s trustees who show-up, freely give their time, and make decisions that shape the future of their organisation and its beneficiaries. Some of you bring professional skills, others lived experience, or local knowledge. Trustees are people from all walks of life, with a variety of perspectives, working styles and personalities.
I’m a trustee, but also regularly visit other boards, running training or talking to them about their audit, accounts, or financial planning.
Every trustee board has its characters. See if you recognise them…
- Spreadsheet lover – On Excel at the drop of a hat
- Visionary planner – Always thinking five years ahead
- Passionate advocate – Making mission front and centre
- Cautious realist – Keeping their feet on the ground
- Endless questioner – They like to get things right
On a board, it takes all kinds of people. When it works well, it’s a bit like jazz. Everyone bringing their own notes and somehow there’s harmony from what could be absolute chaos. You all share something profound: a willingness to take responsibility for something bigger than yourselves.
What one word you would use to describe how you feel about your experience of being a trustee?
- Fulfilled?
- Energised?
- Humbled?
- Overwhelmed?
Do you feel confident in your role?
The Charity Commission’s recent research found that two-thirds of trustees feel very confident in their roles, with most others saying somewhat confident. The lowest area of assurance is related to managing charity finances. At Burton Sweet, we aim to change this…
If you’ve not yet attended, I’d encourage you to come along to one of our free, online Charity Catch-ups, where we share the latest updates from the sector, alongside some practical tips. We’ve received glowing feedback from attendees and growing booking numbers.
Finally, if you’ve come tonight and you’re not yet a trustee, or you’re thinking about getting involved, we love that you’re here. Yes, trusteeship comes with legal duties, important accountability, but I can promise you this: trusteeship is one of the most rewarding ways that you can make a difference. As a trustee, you can directly shape organisations that tackle society’s biggest challenges. Your decisions can leave a lasting impact.
Here are some supporting sources that might help…
- The Charity Commission’s five-minute guides and helpful guidance
- The new Charity Governance Code
- Burton Sweet’s FREE, online Charity Catch-ups
- Our regular, charity specific newsletter
Also, make the most of the wisdom of experienced trustees around you.
Here’s to charity trustees, for your generosity, your expertise, your experience, your resilience, and your heart.
Thank you.
Burton Sweet has a longstanding commitment to charities and civil society organisations, offering practical, professional and passionate support. Please contact us if you need some assistance in achieving your aims…
