Comment: Why business leaders should consider becoming charity trustees

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of being involved in the Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Charity of the Year selection process, writes Martin Hall.

As part of that process, we reviewed applications from a wide range of outstanding charities, each making a meaningful difference to lives across our communities.

The experience was both inspiring and humbling. It also revealed something that I did not expect to emerge as such a consistent theme.

Several of the charities told us that one of their greatest challenges is attracting trustees with business experience.

This should concern all of us. Not because charities are failing. Quite the opposite.

The organisations we met were ambitious, well governed and making a significant impact.

What they recognised, however, was the growing value that individuals from the business community can bring to their boards.

Strategic thinking. Financial insight. Commercial awareness. Governance experience. Risk management. Leadership.

These are skills that many businesses develop every day, yet they are skills that charities often struggle to access.

At a time when charities face increasing demand for their services, greater regulatory scrutiny and ongoing financial pressures, strong governance has never been more important.

That is where the business community can make a real difference.

When people hear the word “trustee”, they often think of volunteering or giving something back.

Whilst that is certainly part of it, being a trustee is also one of the most rewarding development opportunities an individual can undertake.

Trustees are responsible for helping organisations navigate complex decisions, manage risk, ensure financial sustainability and remain focused on their charitable purpose.

The experience provides exposure to governance, strategic decision-making and leadership challenges that many professionals may not encounter in their day-to-day roles.

I know from personal experience that serving as a trustee teaches you as much as you contribute.

It broadens your perspective. It strengthens your judgement. It enhances your understanding of people, communities and leadership.

Most importantly, it reminds us that success is about more than commercial outcomes.

It is about the positive contribution we make to the places where we live and work.

There is another important dimension to this discussion.

Forward-thinking employers should actively encourage their people to explore trustee opportunities.

When an organisation supports employees to serve within the community, it sends a powerful message about its values.

It demonstrates trust. It demonstrates commitment to social responsibility. It demonstrates confidence in its people.

The benefits are returned many times over through increased leadership capability, improved governance awareness, enhanced stakeholder engagement and stronger connections within the community.

Employees return with new experiences, fresh perspectives and a broader understanding of how effective organisations are governed.

In short, charities gain expertise and businesses develop leaders and that feels like a partnership worth investing in.

The conversations that emerged from our Charity of the Year process have prompted us to consider what more we can do as a Chamber.

Across Lichfield and Tamworth, and indeed across the wider Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce network, there is an opportunity to better connect talented professionals with charities seeking trustees.

Many business people would make outstanding trustees but do not know where to start.

Equally, many charities need support but lack access to the networks that could help them find the right people.

Bringing those two groups together feels entirely consistent with the role Chambers of Commerce have always played: connecting people, creating opportunities and strengthening our communities.

I would encourage every business leader reading this to ask a simple question: Who within our organisation could become a charity trustee?

Perhaps the answer is you. Perhaps it is someone in your senior leadership team. Perhaps it is an emerging leader looking for an opportunity to grow.

Whatever the answer, I believe there is enormous value in exploring it. Our charities need talented people.

Our businesses need well-rounded leaders. Our communities benefit when the two come together.

The Charity of the Year process has reminded me that some of the most important investments we make are not always financial.

Sometimes they are investments in people, leadership and community. And those are often the investments that deliver the greatest return of all.

Martin Hall is president of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce and managing director of M Hall Limited