What can becoming a charity trustee teach you after almost 30 years working in the third sector? For Ronnie Young, volunteering manager at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) staff and trustee of Healing for the Heart, it's been an opportunity to understand charity governance from a different perspective. As part of Trustees’ Week 2026, Ronnie shares what he's learned about the financial challenges charities face, the importance of fundraising and why stronger relationships between fundraisers and staff can make a difference.
What made you curious about becoming a trustee?
"I have worked in the Third Sector for almost 30 years in various roles. I had never really talked to trustees though, so I wanted to find out more about the role. It gave me an opportunity to contribute to a charity in a new way, which I thought was interesting."
Has being a trustee opened your eyes to any challenges you hadn't experienced in your previous roles?
"I have oversight of all of the financial challenges that face the organisation, something which I have been blissfully unaware of in my working life!
"The organisation simply would not exist without the work of our fundraisers. It’s been surprising to see how many applications for funding are made, and how the theme of these change over time. Something that might be en vogue one year can be incredibly difficult to fund the next."
What's one thing you've noticed about the relationship between fundraisers and other charity staff that could be improved?
"Fundraisers are often kept at arms length from staff. Both would benefit from a closer relationship – it would help staff understand the challenges that fundraisers face, and it would also afford fundraisers a better understanding of the everyday work of the organisation."
What do you think helps trustees, charity leaders and fundraising teams work well together?
"I think that it is important that everyone understands what they bring to the organisation, what challenges they all face and that they celebrate success together."
Finally, what advice would you give someone who's thinking about becoming a trustee?
Find a charity that speaks to you. Something that you are passionate about, and want to succeed. You might be surprised how much you have to offer, and how much you will get from the experience.
Ronnie's experience highlights how trusteeship can help us understand parts of charity life we might not encounter in our everyday roles, particularly the financial pressures and fundraising decisions that shape an organisation's future.
There's also a practical takeaway for fundraisers and charity teams. Making time to understand each other's work, sharing challenges and recognising everyone's contribution can help build stronger relationships across an organisation.
And if you're considering becoming a trustee yourself, finding a cause you genuinely care about could be a good place to start.
We're sharing the experiences of CIOF colleagues who volunteer as trustees and exploring what their perspectives can teach us about fundraising, leadership and working together.
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