Volunteering as a Trustee
Become a Trustee and help to change Edinburgh
There are over 1800 voluntary sector organisations across Edinburgh and they all have one thing in common. They are all governed by volunteers. Whether these volunteers are called board members, Trustees (the term we tend to use) or Directors - it is them who govern the organisation and make sure it achieves its aims, is successful, well run and well managed. Being a Trustee is a very responsible and rewarding voluntary role.
An estimated 90% of voluntary organisations in the city currently have vacancies for volunteer Trustees on their management committees. This highlights the great need for people to help out to support the valuable work these organisations do.
The rewarding role of the Trustee is a varied and challenging one - luckily the number and diversity of organisations means that your interests and skills can be easily matched.
Value what you have to offer
We know that potential volunteers are often deterred from taking the next step to becoming a Trustee because they believe that some legal or financial knowledge is needed. But take a look at what you know, at your skills and knowledge. Every organisation and workforce needs variety to be successful and Management Committees are no different.
Whatever your skill...
- financial
- business
- legal
- events
- specialist service
- HR
- people skills
- secretarial
- funding
- teaching
- report writing
- policy
...whatever your knowledge...
- neighbourhood
- culture
- services
- client groups
- funding
- diversity
- disabilities
- business
- arts
- government
...there is a Management Committee that needs you.
Still don’t feel you have the skills?
One of the great things about becoming a Trustee is the learning potential. Very often Trustees enter the board with one skill set and then develop a whole new set of skills, experience and knowledge as a result of their experiences with their Management Committee.
"I have gained from volunteering on the board and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn new skills in governing and developing an organisation." - Dan Black, Volunteer Board Member of Meadowbank Community Football Club
Trustees are an asset and a resource to any organisation. Just as an employer invests in a member of staff through training and development, Trustees will also receive support to assist in their role.
Edinburgh has over 1800 registered voluntary sector organisations that aim to meet the needs of the people, the culture and the environment of the city. Have a look at the kinds of opportunities that are out there by searching our Database of Opportunities and select "Committee Work" as activity.
- Paul Wilson – 28 June 2010
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Gail Burton
Gail Burton explains how Volunteer Centre Edinburgh helped her develop as volunteer chair of the management committee for a homelessness charity.