Across England and Wales, 921,886 people serve as trustees, looking after 171,539 registered charities. That’s close to a million people giving their time and skills to keep charities well run and true to their purpose.

Research from Trethowans shows that trustees are mainly motivated by a wish to give back to their communities. But finding them is another matter. Recruitment often relies on word of mouth and personal networks, and the pressure shows. NCVO and Pro Bono Economics found that four in five charities are operating with at least one trustee vacancy. Every vacancy is a charity asking its existing trustees to do more.

That’s why we’re so grateful to have such an incredible group of trustees supporting us at CFLM. Choosing to take on this responsibility, unpaid and often alongside a busy schedule, is no small thing.