Article by Emma Watson, Head of Financial Planning and Advisory Services at Rathbone Investment Management
The majority of people have never considered it or if they have don’t know how to become a trustee or don’t believe that they would be able to apply for the position. However, becoming a trustee can be quite straightforward and yet is incredibly fulfilling and valuable both for career progression and also for personal development.
At Rathbones we work closely with Getting on Board, a charitable organisation with the mission to encourage people to consider becoming trustees. I’d never considered it before a friend mentioned that she was a charity trustee and when, a few months later, I heard Penny Wilson from Getting on Board speak I decided to go for it.
At the Getting on Board talk that I attended, Penny encouraged us to think about what was most important to us when considering what type of charity and trusteeship to choose. I immediately thought about my mum, who is a single parent and had always encouraged myself and my sister to go to university. And we were the first ones in the family to go because of her. However, I’ve always wondered what would have happened if she hadn’t been there to support us. With this in mind I went away and searched online at CharityJob and discovered the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL). NNECL is designed to help care-experienced young people who don’t have that adult in their life to support them in studying at further education or university levels.
From there I spoke with the board’s chair, who gave me more background on the charity and what they were looking for from a trustee. There are support structures in place for care-experienced young people to make sure they’re getting the right opportunities and treatment, but they’re not very well joined up and can often be improved. For example currently, 10,000 young people leave care every year and only 12% make it into higher education. In the rest of the population, it’s 45% and there’s a higher drop-out rate among care-experienced students, too. I really believe in the work that the NNECL do, and while I was warned that it would be hard work, I felt I could make a difference and therefore accepted the role of Treasurer.
The warning that it would be hard work was definitely true too! I would describe NNECL when I joined as a start-up charity rather than a more established charity where perhaps being a trustee doesn’t take up too much time. No matter what type of charity it is, it can be daunting to dive into an entirely new role and sector. When I first joined the board, I definitely had some imposter syndrome. I was surrounded by people who knew so much more about higher education and the care system and so it’s hard not to feel like a third wheel. However, fortunately the charity was hiring for a new director and I, having hiring experience, could jump into this task and help. Being part of the recruitment process really helped to build up my participation and from that point felt completely comfortable on the board.
Ultimately what I have learnt is that while you may not have all the background knowledge of the charity’s sector, everyone will have skills that are useful for the board and so lack of experience should not stop you from putting yourself forward. From this experience I have learnt so much that I would never have learnt by any professional route including training to become an honorary treasurer, and training about board governance, all of which has been fascinating.
Becoming a trustee isn’t only useful for personal development either. Becoming a trustee can help develop skills that will ultimately benefit you in your own career, which is why Getting on Board encourages young people to explore this option as a way to boost their CV as well.
Be clear with yourself and with the charity how much of a commitment you can make, and what the experience will give to you. From there you will both be on the same page, and able to assess whether it’s the correct role for you.
Spend time fact-checking and thinking it over. It has to be a charity in an area where you have an interest. A good test for this is whether you could explain to a friend or family member why you’re doing it. If you can’t, it might not be the right position for you.
If you’ve decided that you’d like to become a trustee it can be difficult to then know where to find the right position. A lot of trustee roles aren’t ever advertised with most vacancies filled from the existing trustees’ networks which perpetuates the lack of diversity in charity boards. However there are resources available for those interested, such as the free guide that Getting on Board have compiled alongside Rathbones. Also, as many of those 90,000 vacancies won’t be advertised, if there is a charity that means something to you or interests you, it can be worth approaching them to ask whether they are looking for trustees. If it’s your first trustee role, it’s best to start small and local.
Becoming a trustee has certainly opened the door to a whole new experience to me and I wish that I had decided to become one sooner. I’d encourage everyone – no matter their experience- to consider the benefits that becoming a trustee can bring to you, as well as the benefits you can bring to a charity.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.