From community gardens and youth groups to arts organisations and environmental projects, small charities across West Devon are looking for one thing that is becoming increasingly hard to find: trustees.

This challenge reflects a national picture. Research highlighted by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) shows that 80% of charities have at least one trustee vacancy, with around half reporting two vacancies or more.

Dawn Todd, community engagement coordinator at West Devon Community and Voluntary Services (WDCVS), said: “A growing number of organisations we work with are currently seeking trustees – including Tavi Youth Café, The Printworks, Dartmoor Preservation Association, Okehampton District Community Transport Group, Okehampton Street Pastors, Okehampton United Charities, Tavi Sensory Garden, and many more. We're even seeking trustees ourselves!"

Trustees are the volunteers responsible for leading charities and ensuring they fulfil their purpose, manage resources responsibly and plan effectively for the future. While many people assume trustees are heavily involved in day-to-day operations, the role is usually focused on oversight, strategy and governance.

WDCVS community development worker Orla Turner believes misconceptions can discourage potential volunteers.

She says: "People sometimes think that trusteeship demands an overwhelming time commitment but that's not usually the case. Many trustee roles require just a few hours per month, usually involving attendance at meetings and participation in key decisions."

Another myth is that trustees need specialist qualifications. In reality, charities are often looking for people with transferable skills and life experience. Knowledge of finance, communications, digital technology, fundraising or human resources can be valuable for some positions, but local understanding and community connections are equally important.

"Genuine enthusiasm for a cause and a willingness to learn is often more important than qualifications for most roles," Orla continued.

Concerns about legal responsibilities can also deter people. Trustees do have important duties, and the law expects them to act responsibly and in the best interests of their charity. However, Charity Commission guidance makes clear that trustees are not expected to be perfect. The regulator recognises that trustees are volunteers and that honest mistakes can happen. Charity law generally protects trustees who have acted honestly, reasonably and in accordance with their duties.

It's also not true that boards are only interested in recruiting retired professionals or senior executives. The charity sector itself is increasingly challenging that perception. As Dawn from West Devon CVS confirms, "Organisations are actively looking for trustees from more diverse backgrounds because better representation of ages, backgrounds and experiences, leads to stronger decision-making and a closer understanding of the communities the charities work with."

Orla adds: "You don't need to be a legal expert, accountant or former chief executive to become a trustee. What you do need, is an interest in helping others, a willingness to ask questions and learn, and the commitment to contribute your experience."

Research by the Charity Commission found that around two-thirds of trustees are motivated by supporting a cause they care about, using their skills and helping their communities. Four in five trustees said they would recommend the role to others.

And the benefits of trusteeship extend beyond helping a good cause. Trustees can develop leadership and decision-making skills, expand professional networks and gain the satisfaction of making a lasting difference.

"Being a trustee is an incredibly rewarding role – you're helping a charity to reach its potential and fulfil its aims, and trusteeship gives an incredible sense of purpose and achievement," says Dawn.

At a time when many charities are struggling to fill vacancies, becoming a trustee offers local people the chance to support causes they care about, develop new skills and make a lasting impact on their community. Behind every successful charity is a team of trustees helping to steer the way forward.

If you're interested in finding out more, contact [email protected]