Trustee Induction

Inducting new trustees is essential for effective governance and the success of a charity. A comprehensive induction ensures trustees understand their roles, responsibilities, and the charity's operations. Things to consider when developing your trustee induction are:

1) Welcome and Introduction

Provide a warm welcome to the new trustee and introduce them to fellow board members and key staff.

2) Overview of the Charity

Explain the charity's mission, vision, and values including the organisation's history and key milestones or successes.

3) Governance and Structure

Provide a copy of the charity's governing document (e.g., articles of association) and outline the organisational structure, including committees and sub-committees if appropriate.

4) Roles and Responsibilities

Clarify the legal duties of trustees. You could provide a copy of the Charity Commissions Essential Trustee guidance or offer training. NCVO offers both elearning and webinars.

5) Strategic Plan and Objectives

Provide the current strategic or business plan and long-term goals and highlight ongoing projects and initiatives.

6) Financial Overview

Provide the most recent financial statements and budgets and explain funding sources and financial controls in place.

7) Policies and Procedures

Share key policies, including safeguarding, data protection, and conflict of interest policies and ensure understanding of procedures related to trustee meetings and decision-making processes.

8) Risk Management

Discuss the charity's approach to identifying and managing risks and provide a copy of the organisation risk register.

9) Networking and External Relations

Introduce key stakeholders and partners as appropriate.

For more details you can also look at the Charity Commissions Trustee Welcome pack.

Recommended Learning for Trustees

Essential Trustee Governance Training

NCVO: Roles and Duties of Trustees A practical introduction to the legal duties, responsibilities and expectations of charity trustees. This is particularly useful for new trustees who want a clear understanding of governance, decision-making and accountability.

eLearning: Roles and duties of trustees

Safeguarding for Trustees

NSPCC: Safeguarding for Charity Trustees This course helps trustees understand their safeguarding responsibilities, how to provide effective oversight, and how to ensure the organisation is creating a safe culture for children and adults at risk.

Trustee safeguarding training

Charity Commission: The Essential Trustee (CC3) A comprehensive guide to the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trustees. This guidance helps trustees understand good governance, manage risk effectively, and ensure their charity is well run and compliant with charity law.

Charity trustee: what’s involved (CC3a)

Next Topic: Trustee HR Responsibilities