The backdrop against which we mark Trustees’ Week this year feels especially poignant. We are living through a period of considerable economic challenge, with rising costs placing many households in acute financial distress. As so often during difficult times, charities will be a central part of the collective response, helping those in desperate need, and offering community, courage and hope to us all. But charities themselves face pressures: rising demand on their services, increased costs, and the real risk of declining donations as many who were previously able to give are forced to tighten their belts. Coming so close on the heels of a global pandemic, which took some charities close to the brink, these pressures represent a huge challenge for many organisations. Trustees are ultimately responsible for seeing their charities through those difficulties – and in some cases making tough decisions about the charity’s future. It’s a significant responsibility, a real public service, and the majority are volunteers. Collectively, trusteeship is not given the platform it deserves. Trustees are too often unsung. Trustees’ Week is an opportunity to redress that – to celebrate the work of trustees and to acknowledge their contribution, passion, skill and commitment.

Helen Stephenson