Trustee Role

Trustees are volunteers who are expected to use their skills, knowledge and experience to help guide and govern their local Citizens Advice. They work with the Chief Executive and other staff to shape strategy and give direction.

This includes making sure that their local Citizens Advice is:

• Doing what it was set-up to do, such as offering high quality advice services to the local community.
• Complying with the law, including upkeep of premises, insurance, recruitment and equipment.
• Securing money to meet current and new demands, and that all funds are used responsibly.
• Recognised and valued by local organisations, funders and people, who are aware of the vital service their local Citizens Advice provides.

Attendance at regular meetings is expected by all trustees. Sometimes trustees will get involved in additional governance projects, such as supporting fundraising, developing strategy or overseeing HR procedures.

Within a board, some trustees will have a specific role, such as being the Chair, Treasurer or Secretary. These positions have defined responsibilities, such as chairing and facilitating meetings (Chair), overseeing the budget (Treasurer) and taking and circulating minutes (Secretary).

Key Skills

No specific qualifications are required to be a trustee. Local Citizens Advice trustee boards welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience who are passionate about advice services and can bring innovative ideas, unique perspectives and good judgement.

Sometimes, a local Citizens Advice will be looking for a trustee with a specific skillset, such as experience in law, advice services or fundraising. If so, this should be outlined in the role profile and description.