The Role of the Trustee-An Introduction to Charity Governance, Understanding and Strengthening Board

PKF Francis Clark, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, Tuesday 28^th April 2026 10am – 4pm

Working for a charity offers unique opportunities and rewards, but trusteeship also carries significant responsibility. Trustees are ultimately accountable for a charity’s purpose, direction, resources and impact, and many people step into the role without formal training or a clear understanding of what good governance looks like in practice.

This in-person Trustee Development Course provides a clear, practical and accessible introduction to charity governance, designed to build confidence, knowledge and effectiveness at Board level.

The course will be delivered by Pete Hawkins, an experienced and highly regarded charity consultant, and is kindly sponsored and hosted by PKF Francis Clark at their Plymouth office.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

• New Trustees who want a solid grounding in their role and responsibilities
• Those considering becoming a Trustee
• Existing Trustees seeking a refresher or greater confidence
• Chairs and Vice Chairs
• Senior staff who work closely with Boards and Trustees

Suitable for trustees of charities of all sizes and legal forms.

What you will learn

The course combines expert input with discussion, scenarios and shared learning, reflecting the real challenges faced by trustees and Boards.

Key areas covered include:

1. Charity governance – the essentials

• What governance is, why it matters and what can go wrong
• The role of the Board and individual Trustees
• Legal forms and governing documents
• Charity purpose and public benefit

2. Trustee responsibilities and legal duties

• Overview of the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee guidance (CC3)
• The six core trustee duties
• Acting in the charity’s best interests
• Accountability, compliance and reasonable care and skill

3. 
   The “6-heavies” – areas that keep trustees awake at night

A practical exploration of the key risk areas trustees must understand and oversee

4. 
   How Boards work in practice

• The role of the Trustee: governance, not management
• Effective decision-making
• Board dynamics and behaviours
• The five Board modes: Support, Scrutiny, Stretch, Stewardship and Strategy

5. 
   Practical governance

• Planning effective meetings
• Papers, reports and minutes
• Delegation and schemes of delegation
• Common governance pitfalls

6. 
   Working with the Chief Executive

• Building a constructive, balanced relationship
• Support, challenge and accountability
• Avoiding role confusion and dysfunction

Throughout the day, you will work through real-life scenarios, share experience with peers, and reflect on how learning applies to your own organisation.

Course details

📅 Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026
📍 Location: PKF Francis Clark, Royal William Yard, Plymouth
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
🍴 Lunch & refreshments included
💷 Price: £175 early bird, £200 (from 1^st March) + VAT

Places are limited to 15 to ensure a high-quality, interactive learning experience.

📩 Enquiries: Anna Jay – [email protected] | 07904 236 348
📝 Bookings: [email protected]