Guidance

Finding new trustees (CC30)

The recruitment, appointment and induction process for new charity trustees and how to set a framework for recruitment.

From:
The Charity Commission
Published
1 September 2012
Last updated
7 March 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Finding new trustees

Ref: CC30

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Details

Guidance on how to carry out a typical charity trustee recruitment process, including how to:

  • identify the need for new trustees
  • write a job description and person specification for the skills, experience and knowledge needed
  • agree responsibilities and a process for recruitment

This guidance is aimed at existing trustees who wish to attract new trustees to their charity. But it is also relevant to you if you are setting up a new charity.

Updates to this page

Published 1 September 2012
Last updated 7 March 2024 + show all updates

  1. Guidance updated to reflect changes introduced by the Charities Act 2022.

  2. This publication has been updated in line with recently published guidance on automatic disqualification and safeguarding.

  3. First published.

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Part of Set up a charity: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if setting up a charity is right for you

    1. Check the alternatives to setting up a charity

  2. and Check you're eligible

    1. Check if your organisation can be a charity

  3. Step 2 Find trustees

    Trustees are responsible for the operation of your charity. They must show they understand their legal requirements.

    1. Check who's eligible to be a trustee and what skills they need to have
    2. You are currently viewing: Find and appoint trustees
    3. Read about your trustees' legal responsibilities

  4. Step 3 Find out how to choose a charity structure

    1. Choose the right charity structure

  5. and Choose a name for your charity

    There are rules on what words you can use in your name.

    1. Check what you can call your charity

    You cannot register a name that's the same as or similar to another charity.

    1. Check the names of registered charities

  6. and Decide and write your charity's purposes

    Your ‘purposes’ describe what your charity is set up to achieve.

    1. Find out how to write your charity's purposes

  7. Step 4 Create a governing document

    The governing document is a set of rules that explains how your charity is run. It needs to include your charity's structure, name and purposes.

    1. Find out how to write your governing document

  8. Step 5 Make sure you meet the 'public benefit requirement'

    Your organisation must be able to show that it benefits the public.

    1. Check how your organisation must benefit the public

  9. Step 6 Register your charity

    You must apply to register your charity with the Charity Commission if either:

    • its income will be at least £5,000 per year
    • it’s a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)
    1. Register with the Charity Commission

    You can register your charity’s details with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to get tax back on things like Gift Aid donations.

    1. Register with HMRC