The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.
Trustee Essentials
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Promoting and supporting good governance in the voluntary sector is a core part of SCVO's work. With over 250,000 trustees across the country who help shape and guide voluntary sector organisations, it's important that you have the support and information you need to run your organisation.
This page provides practical help and information which caters specifically to board members. You'll find online resources and access to events and webinars to support you in your trustee role.
SCVO Trustee Essentials emails
We know trustees are busy people with big responsibilities, so we’ve created a regular Trustee Essentials email that will keep you updated with practical information and useful event signposting.
To receive the Trustee Essentials email you need to sign up for a My SCVO account or sign in
Good Governance Checkup
Good Governance is key to having an effective board and making sure your organisation is achieving its aims and ambitions. Our checkup helps you assess where you’re doing well, and gives you a bespoke action plan for areas where you need to improve.
Resources & templates
We know how important it is to make sure your organisation is running well. It's a lot to think about - especially if you've got limited resources, are a small organisation or are just getting started. We provide you some resources, guidance and templates, so that you can get a head-start on making sure you've got everything in place.
Learning & training
We're here to support your learning and development in everything that we have to offer. From webinars - including our Good Governance webinars - to training and e-learning, there are lots of opportunities available. Look out for future learning opportunities via our Governance Community of Practice.
Governance network
Coming soon. We are developing a new Governance Community of Practice for SCVO members and supporters - an inclusive network for people with an interest in voluntary sector governance. It will provide a space for deeper engagement, networking and influencing, and sharing practice and experience. It will provide a forum for exploring new approaches to governance, addressing emerging issues and promotion of the Scottish Third Sector Governance Code.
New trustees
Congratulations! You’re now one of the people in Scotland who guide the work of our essential voluntary sector. We’re here to help with practical information. Read our Information for New Trustees as a great place to start with seven steps to help you on your way to becoming the most effective trustee you can be. And check out our good governance resources which are invaluable for in-depth guidance as you start your governance journey.
Third Sector Governance Code
Good governance matters because it underpins successful organisations. It matters in all sectors, but especially in ours, where the purpose is to serve people, causes and communities as best we can. Created by the sector, for the sector, the Scottish Governance Code for the Third Sector sets out the five core principles of good governance and is applicable to all voluntary sector organisations in Scotland, whatever their shape, size or activities.
Learn more about the Scottish Governance Code for the Third Sector
Guide to running a charity
Third Force News has published the 'TFN Guide to Running a Charity or Social Enterprise' for 2025/26. The theme of this year’s publication is inclusion, diversity, equality and environmentalism in the sector.
Tracey Bird,Trustees have a significant part to play in your organisation. They are there to oversee and take responsibility for everything your organisation does.
Being a trustee is an important role and we have developed Trustee Essentials to help you with the support and information you need.
I hope you'll find our updates, online resources, learning and events helpful. If you'd like to speak to us, please get in touch with our Information Service.
Information Officer, SCVO
Become a trustee
Becoming a trustee of a voluntary organisation is a critical role in guiding that organisation's success. The role is both rewarding and challenging and a great opportunity to develop leadership skills.
If you're interested in becoming a trustee, search for an opportunity here.
Need to recruit trustees?
If you have a place to fill on your board and want to recruit new trustees, there are a number of options:
Goodmoves
For organisations wanting the added reach and profile of an advertisement in Goodmoves where your trustee vacancy will be seen by over 75,000 unique users a month, email sales@goodmoves.org.uk or call 0800 0192 149.
Volunteer Scotland
Learn more about how to advertise your opportunities on the Volunteer Scotland national database.
Your local TSI
For local organisations, contact your Third Sector Interface to advertise trustee opportunities.
Standard Life Aberdeen
If you’re looking for trustees with particular professional skill sets then Standard Life Aberdeen can promote trustee vacancies through their internal staff intranet and other networks. Contact: sustainability@aberdeenstandard.com.
IMultiply
To find trustees with financial expertise IMultiply Finance Recruitment Specialists can advertise your vacancies for free on their website.
Black Professionals Scotland
Black Professionals Scotland supports organisations in meeting their inclusion and diversity ambitions. You can advertise trustee vacancies on their website. Contact: info@blackprofessionalsscotland.com.
Our Open Door Webinar No.7
This Open Door webinar looked at recruiting new trustees and how to diversify your board. It has some great hints and tips.