OPINION • 6 MIN READ
If you are a trustee under the age of 25, like me, this has probably happened to you at a charity social event. A long-standing board member turns to a stakeholder, saying:
“May I introduce our young trustee…”Than, saying, “May I introduce you to one of our board members,” they say, “May I introduce you to our young board member.”
Now, some would say that there is nothing wrong with this:
- I am young.
- I am a trustee.
- The charity is proud to have a young person on its board.
- Stakeholders like to see we are a diverse organisation.
- My position demonstrates we are meeting diversity expectations, you know?
I can hear countless such lines in my head right now. Can you?
As a younger trustee, people assume my appointment was for my age. My appointment was actually based on my community engagement experience and legal knowledge. Assumptions like this make you feel less worthy of your position. For me, it knocks my confidence, stopping me from using my talents to help the charity but in truth, young trustees hold office because of what they bring to the role.
A younger perspective is one of those skills, not the only one. A young trustee’s value goes far beyond the fact they tick some diversity checkboxes.An inclusive board recognises the whole person, not the opportunity to improve statistics.
Inclusivity means valuing, empowering and respecting all trustees without qualification. The prefix “young” qualifies the trustee’s position. This distorts the truth.
Young or old, every trustee has the same legal duties, power and obligations. When someone’s age is repeatedly emphasised before their role, it can unintentionally undermine how their contribution is perceived. It is like having the word “junior” in front of a job title.
I will admit that at times I have kept silent about an issue, quietly thinking to myself that it is best I don’t object because the “true trustees” must know better. An inclusive board recognises and respects the power invested in each trustee.
“An inclusive board recognises and respects the power invested in each trustee.”
The job of a trustee is why it is so important to treat a young board member as a full member. Remember, a trustee’s responsibility is governance. The role is all about careful, critical, informed and considered collective decision-making. This is only possible if all those trying to work in partnership feel equal.
When the title “young” becomes a block to collaboration, the label can diminish the voice of someone who has identified a risk. It can mute the voice that would highlight a hidden unfair term in a contract. A culture that diminishes young trustees’ contributions can undermine decision-making and expose gaps in board oversight. It can risk the charity’s financial health. It reduces the thoughtfulness of consideration, affecting the quality of the board’s oversight. An inclusive board culture can prevent this.
A lot of this blog has been negative, I wanted to show what harm can be done if we stop at diversity. But culture can change to inclusion. Our hard work, education of others and self-advocacy in every discussion are what build this inclusion. That’s amazing because sitting on an inclusive board is fun and rewarding; the hard work for that change is worth it.
If you are a trustee, share this blog with your colleagues. If you’re an older trustee, please echo the voice of your younger members if they are sidelined. If you’re younger, never forget that an 18-year-old trustee is of as much value as a 58-year-old trustee. Together, let’s see the good inclusion can do.
“If you’re younger, never forget that an 18-year-old trustee is of as much value as a 58-year-old trustee.”
The Young Trustees Movement Digital Hub is a space for current and aspiring young trustees to learn, connect and grow. Explore resources, discover trustee opportunities, revisit past events and connect with a community of young people passionate about making a difference through charity governance.
I would love to hear your experiences. What do you think makes a truly inclusive board? Join the conversation on the Digital Hub!
Want to Help Your Organisation Build a More Inclusive Board? Creating an inclusive board takes more than recruiting people from different backgrounds. It means understanding why diversity matters and creating an environment where every trustee feels valued, heard and empowered to contribute.
Our free Young Trustees Movement Champions Training helps you understand the importance of board diversity, challenge common misconceptions and explore practical ways to improve trustee recruitment and build a more inclusive board. Whether you're a trustee, work in the charity sector or want to help your organisation take meaningful steps towards inclusive governance, this training is for you.
