Charities across the Bailiwick of Guernsey depend on people who give their time, expertise and judgement to guide charitable organisations through both challenge and opportunity.
Trustees aren’t just figureheads; they are the strategic leaders and guardians of the island’s charitable sector. As the Charities Law has formalised the process of becoming a trustee, and as the sector faces increasing pressures and emerging opportunities, the need for skilled, confident people to step forward has never been greater.
What are trustees?
Trustees are the people responsible for a charity’s direction, governance and oversight. Depending on an organisation’s structure, they may be called managing officials, directors or committee members, but they all share one goal: ensuring that their charity delivers its purpose responsibly and effectively.
Across the Bailiwick, there are around 600 registered charities with 2,400 managing officials collectively holding about 3,000 roles. Some 600 people serve on more than one board, showing the strength of commitment across our community. Around 35% of charities have three or fewer trustees, 60% have between four and eight, and the remainder have nine or more. The overall number of people supporting trustee boards is thought to be much greater than those registered.
Serving as a trustee allows you to apply your skills and insights to guide an organisation’s mission while strengthening your own leadership and strategic thinking abilities. It also provides the opportunity to learn from a mix of professionals, build valuable connections, and broaden your perspective.
Trustees manage risk and harness opportunities
Trustees safeguard the integrity and sustainability of Guernsey’s charitable sector. They make strategic decisions, ensure funds are responsibly managed, and help charities stay true to their mission. Their role is more vital than ever: the sector faces growing pressures — from funding constraints, fewer volunteers, and rising operational costs — while also needing to harness new opportunities. These include collaborating more closely with the States and the business community, and exploring how emerging technologies such as AI can enhance impact, efficiency, and innovation. Strong, skilled governance is essential to help charities navigate these risks and opportunities, ensuring they continue to deliver vital services and support to the community in times of change.
The introduction of the Charities Law in 2022 strengthened accountability and transparency, bringing local governance standards in line with international best practice. While these changes help protect beneficiaries, donors and public trust, they have also made the trustee role appear more formal – and, for some potential volunteers, more daunting.
What skills are needed?
One of the greatest strengths of Guernsey’s charity sector is that anyone can become a trustee. Charities benefit enormously from boards with diverse ages, backgrounds, skillsets and perspectives, helping them make better, future-proof decisions and respond creatively to community needs.
At the same time, there is an increasing demand for trustees who can bring professional expertise, in finance, legal compliance, human resources, marketing, technology, governance, and risk management. These skills are critical for guiding charities through rising costs, funding pressures, and operational challenges. Guernsey has a wealth of professional talent; sharing those skills as a trustee is one of the most direct ways to support local organisations.
How can employers help?
Your place of employment is often where you might first connect with a charity – whether through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, client work, or community partnerships. Employers are therefore a powerful gateway into trusteeship.
Businesses can make trustee roles more accessible by allowing charities to advertise opportunities to staff, or by recognising employer-supported volunteering that counts toward trustee service. Flexible time for board meetings, training, or short placements as “trustee observers” can remove barriers and encourage participation.
Encouraging employees to use their professional skills to support charities is a powerful and strategic way to give back. It builds leadership, strengthens strategic thinking, and connects professionals to causes that matter. For charities, it provides access to expertise.
Trusteeship remains one of the most meaningful ways to give back to the island. With employers opening doors and supporting staff who volunteer, Guernsey’s 2,400 trustees – and the many yet to join their ranks – can continue to strengthen the charitable heart of our community, particularly at a time when the sector needs them more than ever.
Zoe Broome – Director at The Youth Commission for Guernsey & Alderney
What inspired you to become a trustee for The Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney?
From a young age, I always imagined having a career that gave back to the community and helped people. Although I quickly realised that I wasn’t destined to be a doctor, I found my path in finance, maths was always my favourite subject at school, so it felt like a natural direction to take.
As my career developed, I sometimes felt I wasn’t contributing as much to the community as I wanted to. Moving into the commercial accounting sector helped change that, I began working alongside local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and builders, and found real purpose in helping them thrive.
My employer (Offshore Commercial) strongly believes in supporting local charities, particularly by helping them manage their finances effectively. When the opportunity came up to work with the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney, I jumped straight in. Learning about the incredible work they do for children, young people, and families really changed my perspective on how valuable it can be to use professional skills to make a difference.
Over time, I built strong relationships with the team at the Youth Commission and saw first-hand the impact of their work. As someone who grew up in a home with a parent who was terminally ill, I understand how vital support networks can be for young people and families – they can truly shape lives.
After working alongside the Youth Commission team for four years, I was honoured to be invited to join the board as a trustee. I honestly couldn’t be prouder.
My inspiration really comes from two places: a lifelong desire to give back, and deep admiration for the Youth Commission staff. Their day-to-day work is challenging, and while I might not be on the frontline, I realised that by supporting them through my skills and experience, I can help them continue to support local children and families.
What has been the most rewarding part of your role so far?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a trustee is knowing that I’m using my skills to support the Youth Commission team so they can continue providing vital services to children, young people, and families across our community.
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to join the Youth Outreach team on some of their evening sessions. They go out at night to connect with young people – simply chatting with them, checking in on how they’re doing, and letting them know about the support and Youth Clubs available. I was, and still am, in awe of the team and the genuine relationships they’ve built. They speak with such ease and empathy, creating a safe space where young people feel comfortable opening up and asking for help.
It’s also incredibly rewarding to see the recognition the Youth Commission receives from the community. When I read positive feedback or hear stories of staff making a difference, it fills me with pride. One of our team members was recently nominated for a Pride of Guernsey award, which was such a wonderful moment – a real reflection of the impact they have every day.
What advice would you give someone considering becoming a trustee?
My advice would be to find a charity that truly resonates with you – one that’s close to your heart or that you feel a genuine connection to. When you care deeply about the cause, your contribution will have even more meaning and impact. And once you find that charity, just go for it!
Becoming a trustee is an incredibly rewarding experience. You’ll not only make a real difference to the charity and the people it supports, but you’ll also learn so much along the way – from the charity’s work itself and from the other trustees around the table.
Using your own skills and experience to support an organisation that’s actively helping your local community is one of the most fulfilling things you can do.
Comment: Craig Shorto, Director at Offshore Commercial
“We’ve always believed that giving back to the island should go beyond simply writing a cheque.
“When we work with local charities, it’s about using our skills to help them run smoothly and make the most of every pound raised.
“Guernsey is our home, and we all rely on each other; and seeing the difference that support makes reminds our team why their work matters.
“It gives people a real sense of pride and purpose, and in return, we learn a lot from the commitment and community spirit of the charities we’re lucky enough to work alongside.”