Posted on 16 November 2022 by Fiona Gillespie

Trustees’ Week 2022 took place last week and saw lots of events and activity across Scotland to celebrate the great work trustees do. Rathbones Investment Management support SCVO’s Trustee Network and SCVO’s activities during the week which included three webinars which you can access here 

Each webinar was stuffed with useful tips and takeaways for trustees, and further sources of free support.. Here’s a top five: 

1. The Chartered Institute of Fundraising have a free guide on ‘Trustees and Fundraising in Scotland’ covering trustees’ responsibilities and the rules and regulations around fundraising. Covering the role of regulators, ethics and best practice, it will help you ensure your charity stays within the law when fundraising. 

2. SCVO’s #Running CostsCrisis webpage is the place to find out about the practical support available to help charities and voluntary organisations through these tough times. SCVO’s funding team are tracking which large funders are opening new funds and offering increased support to existing grant holders. Go to Funding Scotland for daily updates and all the latest news. 

3. Both SCVO’s free legal advice and Information Service are there for members who need one off in depth support on setting up and running their organisation. During a Trustees’ Week webinar, top legal eagles outlined so many ways organisations can survive and thrive over the coming months with tips on staff retention, tax and VAT, reviewing property options, and considering whether collaboration and merger can be the right move. 

4. The Cranfield Trust can help charities long term, with free management consultancy, training and mentoring. During the joint webinar with SCVO on ‘The Trustee Journey’, there was a focus on the dual importance of both legal and practical governance in order to be an effective and engaged trustee, along with some golden nuggets on how to leave a legacy on your board. 

5. Inspiring Scotland’s Specialist Volunteer Network have more than 500 lawyers, accountants, HR professionals, marketing and communication experts all ready and waiting to hear from charities and voluntary organisations across Scotland. In the last year alone their ‘Community of Changemakers’ has given tailored support to over 200 organisations, with their professional expertise valued at £683,390. 

We’re facing challenging times right now but there is lots of support out there for the 250,000 trustees across Scotland who give their time and expertise to make a difference in their communities. Trustees make the world a better place, transforming charities and voluntary organisations. Thanks to you if you’re on a board. The role can be challenging and difficult, but you’re not alone, help and advice is available.