As part of our commitment to supporting strong governance across the social impact sector, we’re delighted to share this introductory guide to trusteeship from our friends at Bates Wells, a leading law firm specialising in charity governance and regulation.
In the video, Partner Lucy Rhodes explains what trusteeship involves, the responsibilities that come with the role, and the positive impact you can make. She also explores common questions around governance, liability, and how trustees can set themselves up for success.
Whether you’re exploring your first trustee role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this is an excellent starting point. Bates Wells’ clear, practical approach has supported thousands of charities, and we’re pleased to share this resource for anyone wanting to build their confidence in trusteeship.
Lucy Rhodes is a Partner at Bates Wells, where she specialises in charity law and supports charities, social enterprises, philanthropists, and mission‑driven organisations with governance, regulatory compliance, constitutional matters, and complex regulatory cases, including Charity Commission inquiries. She also works extensively on restricted and endowment funds, Royal Charter bodies, philanthropy structures, and organisational restructures—helping clients establish, manage, and adapt charitable arrangements to ensure they remain fit for purpose and operate confidently within the legal framework.
Why Trustees Matter
Trustees are responsible for leading a charity, overseeing its strategy, and ensuring it delivers its work for the public benefit. As Lucy explains, it’s a role that can shape not only the organisation’s direction, but also the lives of the people it serves.
Trusteeship is also deeply enriching on a personal and professional level. Many trustees report feeling more connected to their communities, gaining valuable leadership experience, and learning from people they wouldn’t otherwise have met. For Lucy, trusteeship has offered a chance to broaden her perspective and stay connected to different parts of society beyond her day‑to‑day work as a lawyer.
Watch the Full Video
Thinking about becoming a Trustee?
Trusteeship is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute your skills to the causes you care about, and as this introduction shows, support and guidance are readily available.
If you’d like help finding a trustee role or strengthening your board’s governance, our team at Prospectus would be happy to support. Take a look at our current Trustee opportunities, and sign up to job alerts to be notified when new roles are added. To explore more expert guidance, legal updates, and resources on charity governance, visit Bates Wells to learn more about their work and insights.
