What do Trustees do?

Almost every community group or voluntary organisation has a management committee or board made up of trustees. The job of the trustees is govern the group; making sure it achieves its aims, follows its rules, is well run and provides the activity or service it has been set up to achieve.

The time commitment involved in being a trustee varies according to the individual group you are involved with. It most commonly involves attending regular trustee meetings. These are often quarterly for small groups but can be more frequent for larger groups and organisations, particularly those which deliver services to the community or employ staff.

However, there is more to being a trustee than just attending meetings. A good trustee board needs people with the specialist skills to act as Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer as well as having trustees with the ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm to make the group's work a success.

Trustees are volunteers and are not generally paid for their trustee work, though they typically receive reimbursement for any expenses incurred.

Why should I become a trustee?

 There are many potential benefits to being a trustee, including;

• Making a positive contribution to your community
• Helping a good cause that is personally important to you
• Helping to establish or develop a service or facility in your community
• Putting your existing skills and experience to work
• Developing new skills and knowledge
• Having something that looks good on your CV
• Networking and meeting new people

How can I become a trustee?

Many community groups and voluntary organisations in Powys who are seeking new trustees advertise these vacancies on the Volunteering Wales website or through their local Volunteer Bureau, details of your nearest office are here. You can also contact the Powys Volunteer Centre.

For more information about volunteering in Powys click here.

Alternatively please contact the PAVO Helpdesk on 0845 009 3288 or email us if you;

• Would like to discuss what is involved in being a trustee of a community group or voluntary organisation
• Would like to be provided with more information about the role and responsibilities of trustees
• Would like to become a trustee but are unable to find an appropriate group to volunteer with