At CVS, we work to support and empower trustees so that voluntary and community organisations in Cheshire East are well-governed, resilient and effective. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to offer a new free eLearning course on Understanding Different Trustee Roles, designed to explain core trustee roles and dive into specialist roles such as funding, safeguarding and communications. Enrol today to learn how you can add value through your knowledge, strategic insight and lived experience to help your organisation thrive.
Trusteeship: A Collective Responsibility
While boards often appoint key officers such as the chair, treasurer and secretary, effective governance depends on a wider range of trustee roles that reflect the services your organisation delivers and the challenges it faces. All trustees share equal legal responsibility for the organisation and must act in its best interests, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, oversee finances, manage risk, and safeguard the organisation’s mission and values.
As the voluntary sector can be complex, boards need to be strategic and trustees should take on specialist roles that support good decision-making and shared leadership. Funding pressures, digital change, safeguarding responsibilities, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and the need to demonstrate impact all place new demands on trustee boards.
Many organisations benefit from designating trustee roles such as:
- Safeguarding or EDI trustees to promote safe, inclusive practice
- Fundraising leads to support income generation, sustainability and strategic development
- Digital, HR, or communications trustees to bring specialist knowledge and insight
These roles help spread responsibility more fairly, make better use of trustees’ skills and experience, and ensure boards are better equipped to respond to change. A range of resources and guidance is available to help you decide which trustee roles your organisation needs and how to assign them effectively.
CVS Training, Resources and more
- Understanding Different Trustee Roles - Free eLearning course (25 mins)
- Introduction to Trustee Roles and Responsibilities - eLearning course (1 hour, £5 per person)
- CVS Live Training and eLearning
We also have a range of live courses and eLearning that are ideal for trustees, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, UKGDPR, communications and many more. - CVS Governance Resources
- Support for trustees | NCVO
This free 30-minute course explores the many roles trustees can take, from safeguarding to fundraising, as well as how to assign roles fairly and add real value to your organisation.
Do you know your legal and governance duties as a trustee? This introductory course will guide you through your responsibilities, the different ways that a trustee can contribute to the organisation and the importance of your role in governance.
This resource has been developed for non-profits in Cheshire East and includes helpful videos, resource links, and a downloadable policy ticklist to support your organisation's compliance and growth
Guidance and training from NCVO highlights that governance works best when trustees operate collectively, drawing on a range of skills, experiences and perspectives rather than relying solely on a small number of office holders.
Strong organisations need confident and informed trustees. By valuing roles beyond chair, treasurer and secretary and investing in learning, boards become more diverse and effective. CVS Cheshire East supports trustees at every stage - if you have any questions or for bespoke support, please contact enquiries@cvsce.org.uk.
