Four in five charities are currently operating with at least one vacant trustee position amid a "trustee recruitment crisis" in the sector, according to NCVO research.

The charity sector body found that half of charities have more than two vacancies on their boards and a third are reporting vacant positions have remained unfilled for more than a year.

“These vacancies are causing significant skills gaps, governance issues, and stress among trustees,” said the NCVO.

It warns that small charities are particularly impacted. Three in five of their vacancies last more than six months.

The same proportion of charities say skills gaps on their board are impacting the charity’s marketing, communications, legal, technology and finance. This rises to four in five among micro charities, with an income of less than £10,000 a year.

Lack of board diversity is another concern, two thirds of charities are worried about underrepresentation of young people, while half are concerned about lack of global majority board members.

Around a third noted lack of disability representation and a similar proportion cited a lack of technical skills.

NCVO is urging charities to specifically target underrepresented groups in their recruitment of board members.

Clear role descriptions and responsibilities will also help attract candidates.

As will highlighting the important role of trustees, adds the charity body.

"These vacancies are more than just empty chairs—they represent lost opportunities to strengthen the charities our communities rely on,” said NCVO chief executive Sarah Elliot.

“When boards lack diverse skills and perspectives, it hampers their ability to make effective decisions, putting vital services at risk. This is especially true for smaller charities where the workload falls on fewer individuals.

“We need to find ways to tell inspiring stories about trusteeship to show others how impactful this role can be. By connecting with underrepresented groups and clearly outlining what being a trustee entails, we can invite fresh perspectives and talent to the table."

Lack of diversity

Last month charity board members admitted in a survey that their worst performing area of governance is improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

The findings emerged from responses from more than 1,000 users of Directory of Social Change’s governance app.

Elliot added: “It’s crucial for boards to reflect the communities they serve. The lack of diversity in age, ethnicity, and a diverse range of expertise not only creates skills gaps but also limits charities' capacity to truly meet the needs of those they aim to support.

“The consequences of this trustee crisis go far beyond governance—they threaten the essential support that countless individuals rely on every day."

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