Back to All Events

Trustees' Week 2020


Our Trustees’ Week focus this year is diversity in governance.

We know charity boards lack diversity. The average age of a charity trustee is 61. Men outnumber women two to one. Representation of people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds is extremely low. We think it’s critical trustees of charity boards are representative of the people they serve. We want to take action - on our own and with others - to shift these stats.

We’ve worked with Colette Harrison, Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland , to curate an inspiring programme of events including Great governance starts with diversity online conference, workshops, discussions and networking opportunities. There’s much more going on around the region too so you won’t be spoiled for choice (see below).

We hope you’ll join us if you’re thinking about becoming a trustee or you’re an experienced trustee or supporter of trustees seeking fresh perspectives or wanting to explore new governance models.

Trustees’ Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference.

Great governance starts with diversity online conference 3-5 November

  1. Conference opening session with Yes We Can and Community Foundation 3 November, 09:30-10:30

  2. Focus on learning disability, autism and additional needs with Beacon Films CIC, 4 November, 11:00-12:00

  3. BAME representation in governance: Community Foundation in conversation with Durham University BAME network 5 November, 11:00-12:00

  4. Younger people and governance Q&A: Community Foundation in conversation with Young Trustees’ Movement 5 November, 12:30-13:30

Great governance starts with diversity is co-created by Yes We Can and Community Foundation.

Being a great trustee training programme, 3 November, 16:00-18:00

Being a great trustee is our online learning programme run over four weeks with three two-hour workshops and self-directed learning tasks. Together we’ll explore the legal duties of a charity trustee and the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need to be a great trustee. The first session is 3 November with follow up sessions on 10 and 24 November.

Trustees Together network and community of practice 4 November, 13:00-14:00

The Trustees Together network and community of practice event will explore diversity in governance by reflecting on our experiences and what we’ve heard so far this week, sharing great examples, and working out possible first steps to increase diversity in our charities.

Other Trustees’ Week 2020 events

These are events we know about running in Trustees’ Week

The week’s programme is only possible by collaborating with Beacon Films CIC, Citrus Consulting, Connected Voice, Durham Community Action, Durham University BAME network, Getting on Board, International Blue Cross, Northumberland CVA, Young Trustees’ Movement, and more.

What else is happening across the north east?

Of course, there’s much, much, more happening across our region for Trustees’ Week 2020. VONNE is doing a sterling job of collecting many of these events on their website but there’ll be many more events happening so it’s worth checking to see with each local infrastructure organisation including Catalyst Stockton, Community Action Northumberland, Community and Voluntary Action Blyth Valley, Connected Voice, Durham Community Action, East Durham Trust, Hartlepower, Inspire South Tyneside, MVDA, North Tyneside VODA, Northumberland CVA, Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency, Tees Valley Rural Action, VCA Sunderland.

Next
3 November

Great governance starts with diversity online conference