Top Web Developers for Charities:

Our recommendations for reliable web development partners who love the charity sector.

 
 

Many charities face challenges when it comes to their websites. A well-designed website is crucial for engaging supporters, raising funds, and communicating impact. However, finding a reliable web developer who truly understands the unique needs of charities can be difficult.

But fear not! We’ve done the hard work for you and found three outstanding web development agencies. These agencies not only provide top-tier services but also share the values and ethos of charitable organisations.

Plus, we’ll throw in some top tips on what to look for when choosing a developer—because let’s face it, you wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your electrics, would you?

1. Few and Far

Few and Far is a highly respected web development agency known for its commitment to ethical and impactful work. They understand the challenges charities face and have extensive experience working with nonprofit organisations. What makes them stand out?

Over the years we’ve found the third sector has suffered from a massive lack of digital expertise. Small marketing budgets are expected to be stretched thin and incredibly talented marketers and fundraisers have to make the most creative campaigns from very little investment.

For us, the clue’s in the name, we’re a small team of experts that only work with a select few charities each year. The free support we provide is our way of giving back to a sector that has played such a crucial part in our lives.

We hope, even if just in a small way, we can help up-skill and educate those working in the third sector to make our world a better place. To tell their stories, to be heard, to allow them to do more. We have personal experience of how good causes have helped us and now we’ve made it our purpose in life to help them to make the world a better place.
— Thomas, Few & Far

They have recently become a B Corp, meaning they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Their team truly walks the walk, ensuring that their work aligns with the missions of the organisations they support.

They offer a free Impact Optimiser. —a valuable tool for charities looking to assess their website’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

We work with charities to increase impact, tell inspiring stories and remove stigma. We choose to work only with good causes because they need help in the fast-moving world of digital and we have decades of experience in creative storytelling, user experience and branding, so providing that support to those who need it the most was a simple decision for us. Charities have been there for me - and my team - and we want to be there for them and give back wherever possible.
— Colin, Few & Far

By working with Few and Far, charities can ensure their website is not only visually appealing but also optimised for impact and user engagement.

2. Bouncing Bean

Bouncing Bean is another excellent choice for charities looking to enhance their online presence. They specialize in creating user-friendly and engaging websites tailored to nonprofit organizations. Their team focuses on making websites that are easy to navigate, accessible, and designed to drive engagement and donations.

If you want a site that’s smooth, intuitive, and doesn’t make your visitors feel like they’ve just stepped into a labyrinth of confusion, Bouncing Bean has got you covered.

We believe in the power of people. After all, it’s only through collaboration that big things can happen.

When we started our agency, we knew we wanted to be agents for good and working alongside charities big and small has allowed us to be part of enormous social impact.

We’re incredibly proud of the work we do to help well-intentioned projects thrive in the increasingly complex digital landscape
— Clara, Bouncing Bean

3. Northward Studio

Northward Studio is known for its creative and strategic approach to web development. They work closely with charities to craft digital experiences that are not only visually compelling but also highly functional.

Their expertise in branding, design, and user experience makes them a great partner for organisations looking to make a strong online impact.

Think of them as the stylish-yet-practical interior designers of the web world—they make things look great while ensuring they actually work for the people using them.



What to look for in a web developer for your charity?

Choosing the right web developer isn’t just about picking the first name that pops up on Google. Here are some key factors to consider before signing on the dotted line:

  • Experience with charities – Not all web developers understand the unique needs of nonprofits. Look for someone who has worked with similar organisations before.

  • User-friendly design – Your website should be accessible to everyone, including those who may not be tech-savvy.

  • SEO and performance optimisation – A beautiful website is pointless if no one can find it. Make sure your developer knows their way around SEO. (We can help you with this part of the project)

  • Ongoing support – Websites need maintenance, just like cars. Find out what kind of post-launch support is available.

  • Budget transparency – No one likes surprise costs. Ensure everything is clear from the get-go.

Why does a strong web presence matter?

A charity’s website is more than just a digital storefront—it’s a platform for storytelling, fundraising, and community engagement. Partnering with the right web developer can make all the difference in ensuring your message is effectively communicated and your online goals are achieved.

Whether you’re looking for a complete website overhaul or just need help optimising your current site, working with experts who align with your mission can save you time, effort, and resources.

So, if your current website is causing more headaches than donations, it might be time to make a change.

Contact us to take advantage of our FREE consultation and make sure you have your ducks in a row before speaking to a developer.

How to Reactivate Your Google Ad Grant Account: A Guide for UK Charities

My Google Ad Grant account is suspended - what should I do?

Is your Google Ad Grant account suspended? Don't worry. As a specialist Google Ad Grant agency, we've helped many charities get their Google Ad Grant back up and running. This guide will help you get back on track and maximise your ~£8,000 monthly advertising budget.

Let's dive in…

Identify the suspension reason

First, pinpoint why your account suspension happened:

- Check your email for a notification from Google Ads

- Log into your Google Ads account and look for the red banner at the top

Common reasons include:

  • No account activity for 30 days

  • Click-through rate (CTR) below 5% for two consecutive months

  • Use of single-word or generic keywords

  • Website issues like slow loading speed or missing nonprofit information

If you do have the login details for your Google Ad account, don't worry. Try logging into your Google For Nonprofit account first and take things from there.

Often you can inherit a suspended account if activity has been dormant. If it is not clear why the account was suspended, skip to the contact step below and Google will be able to help you.

If you get stuck, please get in touch with us and we can help you get back on track.

Fix any compliance issues in your Google Ad Grant account

Once you have identified the issue, it is time to fix it.

Google Ad Grant Policy Violations

  • Remove single-word keywords unless they're exempt

  • Pause keywords with quality scores below 3

  • Ensure all ads link to your approved nonprofit website

Website Problems

  • Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test your homepage speed - aim for above 50/100

  • Add a clear nonprofit statement in your footer (e.g., "Registered UK charity no. 12345")

Low Click Through Rate (CTR)

  • Pause underperforming campaigns or keywords

  • Rewrite ad copy with strong calls to action

Inactivity

  • Log in and make at least one change to your account

UK-Specific Compliance for Google Ad Grants

  • Verify your Charity Commission registration is active and visible on your website

  • Ensure your site uses HTTPS encryption

  • Update your Google for Nonprofits profile annually

  • Make sure you have completed the verification process in Google Ads once your account is live


Submit a Reactivation Request

  • Use Google's reactivation form (aka the most useful form we've found)

  • Provide your 10-digit Google Ads Customer ID, charity number, and website URL

  • Explain how you resolved the issue

We’ve found this form to be the best way to get a constructive response from the team at Google. Don’t worry if you feel you don’t have sufficient technical details or background knowledge, explaining your situation in plain English is normally enough to get things moving.

After Submission

  • Expect a response within 3-10 business days

  • Avoid multiple submissions or repeated contact attempts

  • Once reactivated, review and re-enable compliant paused items

Prevent Future Suspensions

Log in weekly to check alerts and performance and set monthly reminders to:

  • Review keyword quality scores

  • Test website speed and compliance

  • Audit CTR and pause underperforming ads

  • Complete Google's annual program survey

Advanced Google Ad Grant Optimisation Strategies

One you have your account back up and running consider some of these more advanced optimisation strategies to get the most from your Google Ad Grant activity


Improve CTR

  • Use Google Keyword Planner for niche UK cause-related keywords

  • Put in place geo-targeting to focus on UK audiences

  • A/B test localised ad copy

Track Performance

  • Set up Google Analytics 4 conversions for donation completions, volunteer sign-ups, etc.

  • Create a shared dashboard for real-time visibility. We use Looker Studio for this. Things into spend, top keywords, and bounce rates

Maximise Budget

  • Allocate 70% of budget to high-intent keywords

  • Enable Enhanced CPC bidding to prioritise potential donors

Google Ad Grant Management: Team Collaboration Tactics

You don’t have to do everything yourself! Take a look at the list below to see how you can spread the work between your colleagues and agency partners:

  • Assign quarterly compliance audits across teams:

  • Fundraising: Review donation page URLs in ads

  • Communications: Update ad copy for new campaigns

  • IT: Check website speed and HTTPS status

  • Project management: Schedule time to track policy changes, keyword reviews, and monthly reports

Support with your Google Ad Grant

Google Ad Grant is a great tool but it takes some investment in your time and expertise to get the most from it.
Take advantage of our free 30-minute consultation if you would like help with a specific issue or check out Google's free resources for Google Ads.

By addressing violations, maintaining regular checks, and implementing these advanced strategies, you'll keep your Google Ad Grant active and maximise its value for your charity's mission.

How to do an SEO Audit for Charities 2025

Charity SEO Audit

Search engine optimisation (SEO) plays a vital role in helping charities reach their audience. Regular SEO audits help your charity maintain and improve its online visibility. ultimately leading to increased donations and volunteer engagement.

What is an SEO Audit?

Starting with the basics, an SEO audit is a detailed examination of your charity's website that evaluates its performance in terms of potential to rank within search engines. It identifies areas for improvement and ensures your organisation remains visible to potential donors and supporters.

How Often Should I do An SEO Audit?

For charities, conducting an audit on an annual basis helps maintain optimal website performance and adapt to changing search engine algorithms.

Key Components of an SEO Audit for Charities

Technical SEO

The technical foundation of your website affects both user experience and search engine rankings. Key areas to examine include:

  • Website Speed: Pages should load within 3 seconds. Slow loading times can discourage potential donors and negatively impact search rankings.

  • Mobile Responsiveness:

    Your website must function seamlessly across all devices. Over 60% of traffic now come through mobile devices. Over 92% of internet users access the internet using a mobile phone. (Source)

  • SSL Certification:

    Ensure your website has proper security certificates to protect donor information and maintain trust.

  • Site Architecture:

    Create a clear hierarchy of pages. This makes it easy for visitors to navigate to important sections like donation pages and impact reports.

On-Page SEO

On-page elements directly influence how search engines understand and rank your content:

  • Content Quality:

    Create informative, relevant content that communicates your charity's mission and impact.

  • Meta Descriptions:

    Write compelling summaries for each page that encourage clicks from search results.

  • Header Tags:

    Use a logical structure with clear headings to organise your content and help visitors find information quickly.

  • Image Optimisation:

    Include descriptive alt text for all images to improve accessibility and SEO.

Read more about on-page SEO in our On-page SEO Checklist Guide

Off-Page SEO

External factors significantly impact your charity's online authority:

  • Backlink Profile:

    Build relationships with reputable organisations and secure high-quality links from trusted sources. In our experience, charitable and non-profit organisations will have a ready made network of supporters who will naturally link to their site. As part of your audit, check you are making this process as easy as possible.

  • Social Media Presence:

    Maintain active social media profiles to increase visibility and engage with supporters.

  • Online Reputation:

    Monitor and manage reviews and mentions of your charity across the internet.

Tools for Conducting SEO Audits

Essential tools we’ve found that make doing an SEO audit for our charity clients include:

  • Google Search Console: Free tool for monitoring website performance in search results

  • Google Analytics: Tracks visitor behaviour and campaign effectiveness

  • Screaming Frog: Crawls your website to identify technical issues (free version available)

  • Sitebulb: Crawls your website and conducts an SEO Audit (free trial available)

Steps to Perform an SEO Audit

  1. Website Crawl

    Begin by conducting a comprehensive crawl of your website to identify technical issues and structural problems.

  2. Content Analysis

    Review all content for quality, relevance, and keyword optimisation. Ensure your charity's mission and impact are clearly communicated.

  3. Technical Assessment
    Evaluate website speed, mobile responsiveness, and security measures. Address any issues that could impact user experience or search rankings.

  4. Link Analysis

    Review internal and external links to ensure they're working properly and contributing to your site's authority.

Common SEO Issues for Charities

Frequently encountered problems include:

  • Slow-loading images and videos - this is the most common issue we come across (and often one of the easiest to fix)

  • Slow-loading images and videos - we mentioned it again just so it sinks in

  • Outdated content about past campaigns or events

  • Missing meta descriptions on key pages

  • Broken links to donation forms or volunteer sign-up pages

  • Slow-loading images and videos

Implementing Audit Findings

Doing a thorough SEO Audit is great but it won’t have any impact on your organisation until you implement fixes to resolve the issues you have found. The best way to do this is to create a prioritised action plan based on:

  1. Impact on donor engagement and conversions - try to do the things which have the biggest impact on traffic or conversions first

  2. Resource requirements - do you have the in-house expertise to fix this or will it require specialist help?

  3. Implementation timeframe - try to do the quick wins first

Measuring Success

Track these key metrics to measure your SEO progress:

  • Organic search traffic to the key pages on your site

  • Conversion rates for online donations

  • Volunteer enquiries through website forms

  • Time spent on impact report pages

  • Downloads of resources

Ongoing SEO Maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance tasks including:

  • Monthly content updates with fresh impact stories

  • Quarterly technical checks of website performance

  • Monthly/Quarterly checks on 404 pages and redirects

Regular SEO audits are essential for charities to maintain its online visibility and effectiveness. By following this guide, you can ensure your charity's website performs well in search results and successfully engages with potential donors and supporters.

We realise SEO Audits aren’t everyone’s idea of a good time - if you would like some help with yours, please get in touch,

SEO Keyword Strategy Guide for Charities - Keyword Research for 2025

Charity SEO & Keyword Research

Before diving into keyword targeting, it's essential to understand how SEO uniquely serves charitable organisations. Unlike commercial entities, charities need to attract multiple audience segments including:

  • Potential donors

  • Volunteers

  • Service users

  • Grant makers

  • Corporate partners

  • Media and journalists

Each of these groups uses different language and has distinct search intents when looking for charitable organisations.

Understanding Charity-Specific Search Intent

Different user groups typically search with distinct patterns. In SEO-jargon this is refered to this as “user intent”. Below are some examples of typical charity user groups and how to think about intent when it comes to selecting keywords.

Donor Intent:

  • "how to donate to [cause]"

  • "best charities for [cause]"

  • "[location] charity donation"

  • "charitable giving tax benefits"

Volunteer Intent:

  • "volunteer opportunities [cause/location]"

  • "how to help [cause]"

  • "charity work near me"

  • "[cause] volunteering requirements"

Service User Intent:

  • "help with [problem]"

  • "[condition] support services"

  • "free [service] assistance"

  • "[location] support groups"

Identifying and Selecting Target Keywords For Charities

Step 1: Initial Keyword Research

Start with free tools accessible to charities of all sizes:

  • Google Search Console: Analyse existing search traffic

  • Google Trends: Identify seasonal patterns and emerging topics

  • AnswerThePublic: Discover question-based searches

  • Google Keyword Planner: Basic search volume data

For charities with larger budgets, consider:

  • SEMrush (from £99/month)

  • Ahrefs (from £79/month)

  • Moz Pro (from £79/month)

Step 2: Keyword Categorisation

Organise keywords into strategic groups:

Awareness Keywords:

  • "[cause] statistics"

  • "what is [condition]"

  • "[issue] facts"

Example: "childhood poverty uk statistics"

Action Keywords:

  • "donate to [cause]"

  • "volunteer [location]"

  • "support [cause]"

Example: "donate to homeless shelter manchester"

Support Keywords:

  • "help with [problem]"

  • "[condition] assistance"

  • "[service] support"

Example: "domestic violence support services london"

Step 3: Keyword Evaluation Metrics

Not all keywords are created equally, and just because a keyword has a large monthly search volume doesn’t mean it is necesarily the best fit for your charity. Assess keywords using these key metrics:

1. Search Volume:

- High: 1,000+ monthly searches

- Medium: 100-1,000 monthly searches

- Low: <100 monthly searches

2. Keyword Difficulty:

- Easy: 0-30

- Moderate: 31-60

- Difficult: 61-100

3. Click-Through Rate Potential:

- Check if SERP features (featured snippets, knowledge panels) might affect CTR

- Analyse current top-ranking pages' titles and descriptions

On-Page Optimisation Best Practices

You can read more about the importance of on-page optimisation and the process we use here: On-page SEO checklist
When we think about keywords-specifc things for charities, the following areas are things we cover.

Meta Title Structure For Charities

Primary Keyword | Secondary Keyword | Brand Name

Example: "Volunteer at Food Banks London | Food Poverty Charity | FeedingHope UK"

Meta Description Format for Charities

[Compelling action verb] + [value proposition] + [call-to-action]

Example: "Help fight food poverty in London. Our food banks serve 1000+ families weekly. Volunteer today and make a real difference in your community."

Content Structure For Charities

H1 Tag (Main Title):

- Include primary keyword

- Keep under 60 characters

Example: "Volunteer at London Food Banks: Join Our Fight Against Hunger"

H2 Tags (Main Sections):

- Include secondary keywords

- Address specific user intents

Example: "Food Bank Volunteer Requirements" or "Volunteer Shifts and Locations"

H3 Tags (Subsections):

- Use long-tail keywords

- Focus on specific details

Example: "Evening Food Bank Volunteer Opportunities" or "Weekend Sorting Team Positions

Common Charity SEO Mistakes to Avoid:

All of the points mentioned in the article so far are great, but in our experience, also helps if you avoid these common mistakes too.

  1. Targeting Only Donation Keywords

    Impact: Misses potential volunteers and service users

    Solution: Balance keywords across all audience segments

  2. Ignoring Local Search

    Impact: Reduced visibility in community searches

    Solution: Optimise for "[service] near me" searches

  3. Poor Mobile Optimisation

    Impact: Lower rankings on mobile searches

    Solution: Ensure responsive design and fast loading times

  4. Duplicate Content Across Locations

    Impact: Cannibalisation of search rankings

    Solution: Create unique content for each location/service

We hope this article has helped. If you would like to learn more about SEO for charities head over to the main section there.

If you think a quick chat to learn how to apply these techniques to your own site would be useful, please contact us to book in a free 30-minute chat.

Google For Nonprofits: How your Charity can get the most from this great reousrce

Getting Started With Google For Nonprofits - Part of the Digital Marketing For Charities Series

In the current economic climate, charities need to make the most of all the tools available to them. Google For Nonprofits is a fantastic program that provides access to various Google products and services for free. This can help you reach more people, have a bigger impact and stretch your marketing budget.

This is an essential addition to any marketing mix for charities and one we encourage all our clients to have set up.

Who Is Eligible For Google For Nonprofits ?

To join Google For Nonprofits, charities need to meet certain requirements. In the UK, this means being a registered charity with one of the national bodies e.g. Charity Commission. Signing up is easy, and Google provides a clear guide to help with the process. Once accepted, charities can access a range of useful tools and resources.

What is included with Google For Nonprofits?

1. Google Ads Grants:

For me, Google Ad Grants is the standout feature of Google For Nonprofits. If you use nothing else make sure you sign up for this. Eligible charities get up to ~£8,000 each month in free advertising credits. This helps you reach new supporters through targeted ads on Google. You can use Google Ad Grants to:

  • Increase fundraising

  • Boost staff recruitment

  • Improve volunteer engagement

  • Increase awareness of, and access to any key resources you have on your site

There is a separate application step to go through but this is relatively straightforward and well worth the effort.

ARC offers digital marketing training and support for charities looking to get started with Google Ad Grants. We help troubleshoot any start up issues and optimise your account once it is up and running. Contact us if you would like to take advantage of our free consultation.

2. YouTube Nonprofit Program:

Charities can create a custom YouTube channel for free through this program. They can use it to share videos and stories, reaching a wider audience and inspiring action. YouTube is the second largest search engine in its own right and has 122 million daily users.

The vertical video format is fantastic for engagement, charities can use this to make sure their message reaches new audiences.

Video content on YouTube can also be incorporated into a wider SEO strategy for your charity or used on your Google Business Profile as part of your local SEO activity

3. G Suite for Nonprofits:

This includes tools like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs, which are all free for eligible charities. These tools help teams work together better, communicate easily, and focus more on their main goals.

4. Google Maps APIs:

This allows charities to integrate maps into their websites and promotions, making it easier for supporters to find events and get involved.

5. Google Cloud Platform:

This offers various tech tools, from data analysis to storage. Google Cloud Platform helps charities use technology to innovate and achieve their goals.

Google for Nonprofits Success Stories

Many UK charities have already benefited from Google For Nonprofits. For instance, we have been working with St Clare Hospice to use Google Ad Grants to increase recruitment for key positions. This has resulted in an increased number of applications for specialised healthcare positions.

In Summary

Google For Nonprofits is a fantastic opportunity for UK charities to boost their online presence and make a bigger impact. By using these tools, charities can reach more people, connect with supporters, and achieve their mission.

If you're eligible, it's worth signing up to unlock Google's offerings for nonprofits. Contact us today to find out how

Tom Pratt has over two decades of digital marketing experience. He is a Google-certified marketing expert whoworks with charities and non-profits to help them get more from their websites. To book a FREE consultancy call for your organisation contact us here

Your 20 Point On-page SEO Checklist: Get Your Website Found Online

Why Is On-Page Optimisation Important?

Getting found online is crucial for charities to spread awareness of their cause and drive donations. Optimising the on-page elements of your site ensures your content is set up in the best way to allow search engines to understand each page. Doing this increases your chance of appearing for relevant terms. This in turn helps potential donors and supporters discover your site. With a well-optimised site, you can cost-effectively reach more of your target audience online.


Maximising Search Optimisation for Charity Marketers: A Complete Checklist



  1. URL Optimisation
    Make your website URLs short, use all lowercase letters, and include words that describe what the specific page is about. This makes it easier for visitors and search engines to understand the page content from the URL.

  2. Define Target Audiences

    Think about who you want to reach with each page - donors, volunteers, beneficiaries. Tailoring the content to a specific audience keeps it focussed and makes it more relevant and impactful.

  3. Understand What Visitors Want

    Put yourself in your audience's shoes. What are they hoping to get from this page? Make sure your content answers their questions or fulfills their need.

  4. Be Clear On The Page Topic

    Each page should focus on addressing one main issue, problem or topic related to your cause. Covering too many things can make it difficult for search engines to understand the core purpose.

  5. Choose Target Keywords

    Identify the most relevant and popular search terms people use when looking for information related to the topic of each page.

  6. Naturally Use Target Keywords

    Incorporate the main keywords you've identified in a natural, readable way that fits the context of what you're discussing.

  7. Optimise Title Tags

    The title tag is the main page title that shows up in search results. Keep it under 60 characters and include the most important keyword for that page.

  8. Write Compelling Meta Descriptions

    The meta description is the short preview snippet in search results. Make it compelling with a call-to-action in under 160 characters.

  9. Make Use Of Headings

    Use headings with H1 tags for the main title, H2 for section titles, H3 for sub-sections, etc. This makes for a logical structure that's easy for visitors and search engines to follow.

  10. Summarise Content in Introduction

    The first paragraph or two should briefly cover the key points using the main page keyword so both users and search engines can quickly understand the core content.

  11. Ensure Quality, Trustworthy Content

    Your content should be expert-level, factual, unbiased and trustworthy. Follow Gooogle's E-E-A-T guidelines to provide the best experience for readers.

  12. Check Reading Level

    Write your content at a level understood by your target audience without being either too basic or complex.

  13. Add a Table of Contents

    A table of contents with links to different sections makes longer pages easier to navigate and scan.

  14. Optimise Images

    Properly size, name and add alt text descriptions to all images on the page so they are accessible and web-friendly.

  15. Include Valuable Extras

    Add downloadable files, videos, infographics or other multimedia content to provide additional value.

  16. Use Internal Linking

    Clear internal linking allows visitors to easily find related information. Link to other relevant pages on your site where appropriate to help search engines understand your content structure.

  17. Reference External Resources

    Citing your sources is best practice. Linking to other authoritative third-party content lends credibility to your page.

  18. Use Schema Markup

    Adding schema markup gives search engines additional context about your page content to potentially enhance how it's displayed.

  19. Add Analytics Tracking
    Integrate analytics software to monitor important metrics like traffic, engagement and conversions. This helps recognise the value provided by each page and optimise it further in the future.

  20. Check Indexing and Sitemaps
    Ensure there are no accidental "no-index" tags and that your XML sitemap is working properly so search engines can fully crawl and index your site.

By following this checklist, charity marketing teams can refine their on-page SEO and give their websites the best chance to get found by the right audiences through organic search.


Click on the button below to download the checklist

Tom Pratt has over two decades of digital marketing experience. He works with charities and non-profits to help them get more from their websites. To book a FREE consultancy call for your organisation contact us here

How to become a charity trustee in the UK

Introduction

I recently became a trustee for Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and love it! My experience left me wondering why I hadn't done it earlier and thinking about what had held me back.

I have found becoming a charity trustee a great way to make a positive impact. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a good way) and helped me expand my skills.

In the UK, where the charitable sector plays a vital role, serving as a trustee can offer many benefits.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of being a charity trustee in the UK. I have tried to list the resources and steps you can take to get a trustee at an organisation which is great for you. I will cover:

  • practical guidance on how to get involved as a trustee

  • how to find trustee opportunities

  • how I conducted due diligence on the organisations I looked at

  • common barriers to becoming a trustee

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona via Unsplash.com

Things to do before looking for a trustee opportunity:

  1. Identify your passions and skills:
    Reflect on causes that inspire you and the skills you can bring to a charitable organisation. Understanding your motivations and strengths will help you find a suitable trustee role.

  2. Be clear about the time you want to commit:
    Work out how much time you are able to commit to being a trustee. Also, work out when you will be able to contribute this time e.g. evenings, weekends.
    If you are in full-time employment check to see if your employer offers support for people who want to volunteer their time

  3. Networking:
    Build your network and let people know you are looking for an opportunity:
    - engage with local community groups
    - attend events
    - connect with professionals already involved in the charitable sector
    - sign up to email newsletters for organisations you'd like to support
    - follow these organisations and any experts/influencers on their socials
    - share and comment on this content where appropriate

    Networking can provide valuable insights and connections to trustee opportunities.

How to find trustee opportunities:

  1. Online platforms:
    Use dedicated websites such as:
    - Reach Volunteering (reachvolunteering.org.uk)
    - CharityJob (charityjob.co.uk)
    - TrusteeWorks (trustees-unlimited.co.uk)

  2. Professional networks:
    Engage with professional organisations or industry-specific networks. They may have trustee opportunities or be aware of relevant vacancies.

  3. Local networks:
    Stay informed about local events and initiatives through:
    - community notice boards
    - local newspapers & social media groups. These sources often highlight trustee vacancies within local charities
    - local volunteering

How to conduct due diligence before becoming a charity trustee:

  1. Research the charity:
    Visit the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charitycommission.gov.uk) or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (oscr.org.uk) to verify the organisation's charitable status. You can access key information such as financial reports and governing documents.

  2. Assess governance and transparency:
    Examine the charity's constitution, annual reports, and accounts. This will help you evaluate their governance structure, financial health, and accountability mechanisms.

  3. Meet key stakeholders:
    Engage with the organisation's existing trustees, staff, and volunteers. This will help you get first-hand insights into their experiences and the charity's operations.

Common barriers to becoming a trustee:

  1. Time commitment:
    Being a trustee requires time and dedication. This can pose a challenge for individuals with existing professional or personal commitments. Assess your availability and ensure you can commit to the responsibilities.

  2. Skills gap:
    Some individuals may feel hesitant due to perceived gaps in their skills or lack of prior trustee experience. However, charities often seek diverse skills, and many provide training and support to trustees. If you have gone through the prep listed above, you will already be clear about the skills and expertise you can offer

  3. Risk and liability concerns: Trustees have legal and financial responsibilities. Educate yourself about your duties and seek professional advice if necessary to mitigate concerns. This pdf from NCVO has a great summary of the risks and liabilities involved.

Benefits of being a charity trustee:

  1. Making a difference:
    Trustees play a pivotal role in shaping a charity's strategy, ensuring its values are upheld, and driving positive social change.

  2. Personal development:
    Being a trustee offers opportunities for personal growth, including enhancing leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

  3. Expanding networks:
    Engaging with other trustees, staff, and volunteers fosters new connections and expands your professional network.

  4. Learning opportunities:
    Trustees gain insights into various aspects of running a charitable organisation, including finance, governance, and fundraising.

  5. Building a diverse skill set:
    Serving as a trustee allows you to contribute your expertise while also acquiring new skills through training and exposure to different areas of nonprofit management.

Conclusion:

Serving as a charity trustee offers numerous benefits that extend beyond making a positive impact on society. I have found it one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. It has helped me with my “day job” providing digital marketing support for charities.

By following the suggested steps to get involved, finding opportunities, conducting due diligence, and overcoming common barriers, I hope individuals can embark on a rewarding journey as trustees.

The experience provides personal growth, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to causes that matter, ultimately shaping a brighter future for communities in need.

If you have any questions or would like a quick chat please feel free to contact me about becoming a trustee.