We asked our Account Manager, Sam, about his experiences of being a young trustee. From 2020 to 2024, Sam was on the board for Ideas Test, a charity that supports local communities in Swale and Medway to live better by engaging them in creative activities. He told us how he got the role and how the experience has moved him closer to his dream career…
What made you first think of becoming a trustee?
In 2018, someone from Ideas Test came to my university to recruit young people for a nationwide touring arts project. I ended up getting an art producer role, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I then went on to take a Project Management Assistant role there. Shortly after that role ended, in 2020, one of my colleagues mentioned there was a vacancy for a trustee that I should consider applying for.
I was really surprised with the suggestion since I was only 23 and had only known people with a lot more work experience to be on a trustee board. I was a bit sceptical about it at first, since it felt like a big responsibility and I wasn’t sure if I had the experience to help make important decisions.
So what made you go for it?
It was exciting. I’m passionate about driving change and I want to make an impact in communities around me, so this really felt like an opportunity to drive my future.
I also realised that, although younger, I had skills I could bring to the board. I had a good grasp of finance as I’d just started doing an MBA. I also had some experience of digital marketing and I understood the charity well. Plus I was reassured I’d get help through onboarding—so I wouldn’t just be left to get on with it!
How did you find the application and induction process?
It wasn’t daunting at all. I had to complete an application form explaining why I wanted the role and what I could bring to the board. I then had an interview, where I felt relaxed as I knew the people on the panel.
I was happy and excited when I found out I’d got the role, but I only really had a vague idea of what it would entail. I knew there would be finance, governance and decision-making—but I didn’t really know what that would mean in reality.
As part of my induction there was an informal meeting, for myself and other newer trustees, with the other board members and staff from Ideas Test. It gave us all a chance to chat and ask questions. I also did an e-learning course from NCVO on the role and duties of a trustee, which was helpful.
Sam at work in his trustee role at Ideas Test
What was the role like?
I did the role for four years and it was great—I really enjoyed it. I loved meeting new people and seeing the charity grow through innovation. At first I put a bit of pressure on myself as I didn’t feel fully-equipped for all the decision-making straightaway, but there was support there and I felt more confident before too long.
There were eight of us on the board. Two co-chairs and five other board members. We all worked well together. We brought a mixed bag of skills to the table.
The role mostly involved going to meetings and preparing for them beforehand by reading reports. There were four board meetings a year—that lasted around two hours and needed maybe 30-60 minutes’ prep before. There were other ad hoc meetings too, about fundraising strategies and things like that.
I’d say I put in about 20-35 hours each year. It was a bigger time-commitment initially, to do the induction and training courses. It really depends how much time you have spare. I was probably a bit more involved as I already knew the charity.
It was challenging to fit everything in at times—especially when I was studying and doing a part-time job. I did miss a few meetings but the charity was flexible and we made it work.
What did you learn from the experience of being a young trustee?
Loads! I learnt how to be strategic. It also taught me a lot about decision-making, governance, finance, forecasting, brand and audience insights. It’s like being a foster parent to an organisation—everything you do has to be in its best interest.
I also learned how to be flexible so I could fit in all my commitments and I had some great networking opportunities that happened quite naturally.
So what’s next for you?
I’m enjoying my current role as I get to support the sector and learn more about it. My ambition is to run my own charity one day and I know my trustee experience has brought me one step closer to that.
I’d tell anyone considering becoming a trustee just to go for it. As long as you’re passionate about the charity and know you have something to offer, don’t hold back from applying.
I’m really grateful for the opportunity of being a young trustee. It was very gratifying to see myself grow alongside the charity. I know this will really benefit me in the future.
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