Ask the Experts: Recruiting trustees

Our nursery is a small charity run by a board of trustees. Two are leaving and the chair has asked that I, as the manager, help her find recruits. Where do I begin?

Start by reading the memorandum, which sets out the rules of the charity. It will state whether the organisation needs to represent the local community or have a member of the local authority, the clergy or local businesses on board.

Study the articles to tell you how many trustees you need; whether you can co-opt someone on; who can make decisions; and how long trustees can stay on the board.

Consider a skills analysis of the existing trustees. Should you have someone who understands fundraising, marketing or PR?

Use all this information to draft an advert. Make sure you have trustee insurance. Think about where you can advertise free such as the local volunteer centre, community group, your website and relevant newspapers.

Finally, have a robust interview process. Don’t just be grateful for getting anyone: be ambitious.

Answered by June O’Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation