Contributed by R D Bailey, Chairman of the Crowborough Almshouse Charity

Crowborough Almshouses Charity (CAC) is fortunate in having a very close relationship with two CofE churches in their small town, both of which have incumbents who are ex officio trustees. The board comprises of two ex- officio trustees and eight nominated trustees. In addition, as part of the team, the charity employs a clerk and property manager as well as a minutes secretary.

Recruitment Approach

It is safe to say that there is a strong willingness within the town to support charitable institutions; in terms of trustees and voluntary members the CAC is no exception. Our philosophy is fairly simple and works along the following lines.

With the exception of the clerk, the charity has never found it necessary to advertise for new trustees, all of whom have joined through relationship development and being known to other trustees, often through the churches. In the latter days others came via the local town council and other churches.

On most occasions the clerk and chairman have sufficient notification that a trustee is about to move on or retire and as such the procedure is set in place to look for a replacement.

Trustee Roles and Skills

CAC trustees are not just passive board members and all put their shoulder to the wheel and undertake key roles. Therefore, when seeking new trustees, it is important to determine what skill set is likely to be most beneficial to the running of the charity. From experience when approaching potential trustees, they tend to make a point of asking as to what their role is likely to entail.

For CAC we have four separate properties with each one being overseen by two trustees, one taking a particular interest in supporting the residents and the other overseeing the property in conjunction with the clerk and property manager. Apart from a regular standing committee the trustees meet quarterly to ensure that the charity is run according to statutory needs. It is with this background that we endeavour to attract new trustees.

Selection Process

If a new trustee is sought, then the chairman and clerk will first consider the most appropriate need. For those overseeing the residents we would look for someone with good interpersonal skills, in our case nursing and care experience. For the property side it is always good to have knowledgeable people who understand property and commensurate legal related matters. Secondly, the trustee needs to be able to contribute to the running of the charity and be able to comment on financial matters.

Of late CAC has managed to get a good spread of trustees and it is encouraging that with our search for further land or property we now have two members with property development credentials following recommendations from other trustees. This points to the need for all the trustees to be mindful that there will always be opportunities for fresh members and ideas.

Potential trustees will be interviewed by the chairman together with one or two other trustees and report back to the clerk. Thereafter, and subject to a written CV and statutory checks, a recommendation will be put to the quorate and agreed or otherwise. New trustees will be fully briefed by the clerk pointing out the following:

New Trustee Induction

  • The role of a trustee and their liability
  • The make-up of the charity and the scheme together with financial information
  • The various policies relating to the residents and trustees
  • The need to attend quarterly meetings & supplementary meetings
  • The fact that their name will appear on the Charity Commission website
  • Their agreement to a photograph and short extract as to their background on the CAC website. 
  • They will be expected and encouraged to attend one or more of the Almshouse Association training courses and webinars as required

Closing Note

The Crowborough Almshouses Charity is fortunate in having a cohesive group of trustees and volunteers and over the years have gained considerable experience in selecting and maintaining a knowledgeable team. Suffice to say, if other trusts wish to explore ways to develop and seek new trustees I and our clerk would be happy to share ideas.

15 April 2025