Trustee recruitment and roles
Contributed by R D Bailey, Chairman of the Crowborough Almshouse Charity
Partnerships
Crowborough Almshouse Charity (CAC) benefits from a close partnership with two Church of England parishes in the town. The incumbents of these churches serve as ex officio trustees, forming part of a board that currently comprises two ex officio trustees and eight nominated trustees. Supporting the board are a clerk, a property manager and a minutes secretary.
Community support
There is a strong culture of charitable support in Crowborough, and CAC reflects this spirit. Trustees and volunteers are committed, active and willing to contribute to the running of the charity.
Approach to trustee recruitment
With the exception of the clerk, CAC is fortunate enough, so far, to have never needed to advertise trustee positions. New trustees are usually appointed through personal connections, often via the churches, though the town council and other local congregations have also played a part.
The chairman and clerk are typically aware when a trustee intends to retire, allowing time to begin the search for a replacement.
Active trustee roles
CAC trustees are not passive board members. Each one takes on a specific responsibility and new trustees are asked to bring skills that will strengthen the charity. Candidates often want clarity on their expected role before committing.
Structure of trustee responsibilities
CAC owns four properties. Each property is overseen by two trustees:
- Resident Support Trustee – focusing on residents’ wellbeing
- Property Trustee – overseeing maintenance and management alongside the clerk and property manager
In addition, trustees participate in a standing committee and meet quarterly to review compliance with statutory obligations.
Identifying board needs
When recruiting, the chairman and clerk consider the most pressing need:
- For resident-focused roles, interpersonal skills and experience in nursing or care are highly valuable.
- For property-focused roles, knowledge of property, surveying, and related legal matters is essential.
All trustees are also expected to contribute to governance, including financial oversight.
Current skills on the board
CAC is fortunate to have a diverse mix of skills among its trustees. Recent appointments have added expertise in surveying and property development—particularly useful as the charity explores opportunities for new land and property. This demonstrates the importance of remaining open to new skills and perspectives, a responsibility that rests primarily with the chairman.
Appointment process
The process for appointing new trustees is as follows:
- Interview with the chairman and one or two trustees
- Report to the clerk
- Submission of CV and statutory checks
- Recommendation to the full board for approval
Induction for new trustees
Once appointed, trustees are fully briefed by the clerk. Induction includes:
- Trustee role and liabilities
- Structure, governing scheme, and financial details of CAC
- Policies relevant to trustees and residents
- Attendance expectations for quarterly and other meetings
- Publication of their name on the Charity Commission website
- Agreement for a photo and biography on the CAC website
- Participation in Almshouse Association training and webinars as needed
A cohesive and skilled team
CAC is proud to have built a cohesive, committed, and experienced trustee body. Over the years, the charity has developed effective practices for recruiting and retaining trustees with the right mix of skills. We are always glad to share our approach with other almshouse trusts seeking to strengthen their boards.
September 2025