Trustees' Week 2026
Good fundraising relies on people working together, sharing knowledge and understanding the challenges and responsibilities that come with different roles. This Trustees’ Week, 9-13 November 2026, we're exploring the relationship between fundraisers and trustees, hearing from the people who help shape our organisation and sharing what our fundraising community wishes the other side of the boardroom understood.
From personal experiences to practical lessons, discover the perspectives that can help us build stronger relationships and support excellent fundraising.
Better Conversations, Stronger Fundraising - What fundraisers and trustees wish each other understood
As part of Trustees’ Week, fundraisers and trustees were invited to share what they wish each other understood about their roles.
Their responses offer valuable insights into shared challenges, different perspectives and opportunities to work better together. By listening to our community, championing professional understanding and sharing experiences, we can help strengthen relationships between fundraisers and trustees and support better fundraising.
Explore what our community had to say
Key takeaway: Listening to the profession (Placeholder)
Reflecting CIOF's commitment to championing the fundraising profession and strengthening its sector voice, these insights highlight the importance of listening to different perspectives, sharing experiences and using what we learn to build stronger relationships between fundraisers and trustees.
Meet some of CIOF's Trustees
What do trustees wish fundraisers knew? And what can fundraisers learn from the people around the boardroom table?
We're getting to know the people behind the trustee titles. From lessons learned to common misconceptions and practical advice, our CIOF trustees share their experiences, perspectives and thoughts on how we can work better together.
Matt Parkes on building stronger relationships between trustees and fundraisers
How can fundraisers build stronger relationships with trustees? CIOF Trustee Matt Parkes shares insights on charity governance, fundraising investment and effective collaboration.
Why fundraising is a strategic investment: Naomi Abrahams on trustee relationships and supporter trust
CIOF Trustee Naomi Abrahams explains why fundraising is a strategic investment and how charity boards can strengthen supporter trust and fundraising relationships.
Building stronger trustee relationships: Jonathan Levy on fundraising and leadership
How can fundraisers build better relationships with trustees? CIOF Trustee Jonathan Levy on leadership, communication and the value of trusteeship
A big thank you to all our CIOF trustees
Thank you for the time, expertise and commitment they bring to supporting our work and the wider fundraising profession.
Your guidance, perspectives and dedication help us continue to champion fundraisers and strengthen the sector. We're grateful for everything you contribute.
Meet our staff trustees
There's more to our team than their day jobs at CIOF. Some of our colleagues also give their time, skills and experience as trustees for charities and causes they care about. They're sharing their stories, from what inspired them to become trustees to the lessons they've learned along the way.
Get to know the people behind the roles and discover what their experiences can teach us about fundraising, leadership and working together.
Giving back and gaining more: Katie Docherty on the value of becoming a charity trustee
CIOF Chief Executive Katie Docherty shares her experience as a Charity Leadership Scotland trustee, what she's learned about charity governance and leadership, and why fundraisers should consider becoming trustees.
Beyond the day job: Paul Laird on supporting a local charity and what trusteeship has taught him
Paul Laird, Director of Operations at the CIOF, shares his experience as a trustee of Hope GB, an autism charity in South Wales, exploring charity governance, fundraising, community impact and why fundraisers should consider becoming trustees.
Looking beyond fundraising: Ceri Edwards on 30 years of charity trusteeship
Ceri Edwards, executive director of change at the CIOF, reflects on 30 years as a charity trustee, sharing practical lessons on charity governance, fundraising investment, board collaboration and why fundraisers should consider trusteeship.
A different perspective: Rob Cope on community, charity funding and the realities of trusteeship
Rob Cope, executive director of membership and operations at CIOF, shares his experience as a Citizens Advice Lewisham trustee, exploring charity funding pressures, sustainable fundraising, community impact and why fundraisers should consider becoming trustees.
Seeing charities from a different perspective: Ronnie Young on fundraising, collaboration and trusteeship
Ronnie Young, volunteering manager at CIOF, shares his experience as a Healing for the Heart trustee, exploring charity funding challenges, collaboration between fundraisers and staff, and the benefits of becoming a charity trustee.
Starting from scratch: Paul Brady on fundraising, nature and becoming a charity trustee
Paul Brady, public fundraising officer at CIOF, shares his experience as a Wild Garsdale Pike trustee, exploring small charity fundraising, environmental restoration, collaboration and why fundraisers should consider becoming charity trustees.
Have you ever considered becoming a trustee?
You might have more to offer than you think. As our staff interviews show, you don't need to have all the answers before taking that first step. Your existing skills, experience and willingness to learn could make a real difference to a charity.
Interested in giving it a go?
Discover charities looking for people to join their boards through Trustee Connect.
Supporting you on your trustee journey
Whether you're considering becoming a trustee, finding your feet in a new role or looking to build on your experience, there's always more to learn.
Explore CIOF's resources, guidance and learning opportunities to help you develop your knowledge, build confidence and support effective fundraising and governance.
The Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees: On-Demand
Develop your understanding of charity fundraising with this five-module course for trustees. Explore fundraising principles, legal responsibilities, governance and practical tools to oversee fundraising strategies, performance and compliance.
Trustees and Fundraising: A Practical Handbook
Explore this practical guide to charity trustee responsibilities in fundraising. Learn how to ensure fundraising meets legal and ethical standards, reflects your charity’s values and supports good governance and long-term financial sustainability.
Trustees and Fundraising in Scotland: A practical handbook
Explore guidance for charity trustees and fundraisers in Scotland. Understand your legal and ethical fundraising responsibilities, strengthen governance and align fundraising with your charity’s values, with practical case studies from Scottish charities.
You might be interested in...
Autumn Budget 2026
CIOF responds to the UK Autumn Budget, calling for greater government support for charities through legacy giving, philanthropy and AI investment to strengthen fundraising income and build a more resi ...
Charities urged to put donors' individual needs first in updated guidance
The CIOF has updated its Treating Donors Fairly guidance, helping UK charities support donors in vulnerable circumstances, make informed giving decisions and follow fundraising standards.