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Trustees (sometimes known as Board Members or Directors) are the lifeblood of UK charities both large and small. However, especially for small charities, we hear too often that becoming a Trustee happened because of ‘who you know’ rather than ‘what you know’. What do you really need to ask?

Your friend has asked you to help their charity by becoming a trustee. That’s great! They must really trust you. But before you say yes, you need to ask some important questions. This isn’t about being difficult. It’s about making sure you can really help, and help to keep the people the charity helps safe.

1. What does the charity do to keep people safe?

This is the most important question. The charity works with people who need help. Some might be children, elderly people, or vulnerable adults.

Ask your friend: What are your safeguarding rules? Do you have a safeguarding policy? Who makes sure everyone follows these rules? Have all staff and volunteers had disclosure and barring service (DBS) checks for safeguarding?

Your friend should be happy you’re asking this. Keeping people safe must always come first. If your role could bring you into contact with the charities beneficiaries, they should also ask you to provide evidence of a DBS check. As a volunteer the charity should be able to pay for the check.

2. What will I actually need to do?

Ask your friend: How many meetings happen each year? How long do they take? Will I need to read papers before meetings? How much time does a trustee really spend?

Most trustees need about one or two days each month. If your friend suggests less time needed than this, they may not be doing right by their charity, or by you. Make sure you have enough time to help properly. Key roles include the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, if you are being asked to take up any of these roles, do make sure you check what the duties would include.

3. Will you help me learn what I need to know?

Being a trustee is a legal role. The charity should teach you everything you need to know.

Ask your friend: Will I get training when I start? Will someone explain the charity rules? Will you teach me about safeguarding? Can I ask questions when I need help?

4. What challenges is the charity facing?

Ask your friend: Does the charity have any money worries? Are there any problems right now? What keeps you awake at night about the charity?

Your friend should be honest with you about this. Real friends tell you the truth, even when it’s difficult.

5. How do trustees work together?

Ask your friend: Can I read notes from recent trustee meetings? How do trustees make decisions? Do trustees ask tough questions?

You’re looking to see that the charity is well run and that trustees make sure everything is safe and legal.

Being a Good Friend AND a Good Trustee

Here’s the important part: asking these questions shows you’re taking your friend’s charity seriously. You’re not just saying yes to be nice. You want to genuinely help.

Remember: as a trustee, your first responsibility is to the people the charity helps. If something goes wrong and people aren’t kept safe, your friend’s charity could be in serious trouble. By asking these questions now, you’re helping your friend run a safer charity.

Should You Say Yes?

Say yes if:

• The charity has clear rules about keeping people safe
• Your friend answers your questions honestly
• You have enough time to do the job properly
• The charity will support you and help you learn

Think carefully if:

• Your friend can’t explain how people are kept safe
• They seem annoyed by your questions
• You don’t really have time but feel guilty saying no

A true friend will understand your questions. And the people the charity helps deserve trustees who take their responsibilities seriously.

You can do this!

The Charity Commission has lots of ‘5-minute Guides’ covering all aspects of charity governance, find out more here.