Charity trustees recognised

This week we pay tribute to the leaders of the 355 voluntary organisations in Exeter that all rely on the dedication, energy and commitment of around 2,000 trustees in order to support their beneficiaries.

Hundreds of events will be taking place this week as charities use Trustees’ Week as a time to thank the one million trustees across England and Wales for their time and dedication.

Trustees are the people ultimately in charge of a charity. They make decisions that help charities achieve their aims and change their beneficiaries’ lives.

Dom Morris said: “Voluntary organisations play a huge role in our daily lives in Exeter. This week is our opportunity to say thank you for all of their effort.

"In the last few months I’ve been staggered by the motivation and powers of persuasion of Trustees in Exeter. They’ve persuaded me to jump out of a plane and sold me in an auction all in the name of charity!”

It is also a time to encourage more people to become trustees, as many voluntary organisations find it difficult to recruit new trustees. As many as one in five charities are looking for a new trustee.

Being a trustee allows you not only to make a difference to the lives of others, but to learn new skills, meet different people, and develop your career. Voluntary organisations are always looking for a range of skills and different backgrounds on their boards, as well as more young people. You can find out more about trustee vacancies in your local area through NCVO’s Trustee Bank, Charity Job and Do It.

Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “Trustees’ Week is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate trustees and the valuable contribution they make to our society. They play a vital role, volunteering their time and working together to make important decisions about the charity's work. Good governance is at the very heart of an effective charity.”