POSTED Wednesday 13-11-24
My First Trustee Conference: Insights and Reflections from a New Business Manager
On November 5th, I had the privilege of attending SCVO’s Trustee Week conference in Edinburgh with Aspen People, SCVO’s Recruitment Partners of the Year. Having only recently joined Aspen, this was my first conference with the team. I was excited to learn more about the trustee landscape but didn’t expect just how impactful the day would be. One question in particular stayed with me: What can I put in the bin?
The conference took place at Dovecot Studios, a lively venue that set the tone for a day of engaging discussions. We were greeted by a colourful arts shop at reception and headed upstairs to the main event space filled with panel discussions, endless coffee, and sweet treats. I found myself a bit nervous entering a room of experienced trustees, as I haven’t yet served on a board. However, I was quickly made to feel welcome, and it was a fantastic chance to learn about the key issues boards are currently facing.
Key Sessions: EDI and Climate Change
The first session covered two major topics: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and climate change. The EDI discussions were particularly eye-opening, highlighting the importance of both visible and invisible diversities, such as age, health, lived experience, and socioeconomic status. A key takeaway for me was the challenge of balancing inclusivity with recruitment questionnaires. The question was raised: How do we encourage a diverse pool of applicants while minimizing potential biases from the information shared in these forms? It was a valuable reminder about the importance of thoughtful, inclusive recruitment practices.
The climate change discussion was equally compelling. Rather than focusing on the negative, speakers highlighted positive actions many charities are already taking, like using video calls to reduce travel. We were encouraged to reflect on what we’re already doing well before moving on to brainstorm new initiatives. This optimistic approach was refreshing and underscored the importance of continuous improvement.
OSCR’s Insights: Navigating New Legislation
The next session featured representatives from OSCR, who explained a new law affecting trustee disqualifications. This segment was refreshingly transparent, addressing the challenges of implementing the legislation while maintaining inclusivity. A memorable moment came when the speakers acknowledged the need to balance legal requirements with the goal of including individuals who bring valuable lived experiences—even if these involve a past conviction. They seemed genuinely eager to engage in one-on-one discussions to find practical solutions that align with both the new regulations and EDI principles.
Key Takeaways: Reflect, Improve, Discard
The final panel discussion left a lasting impression. One speaker asked a thought-provoking question: “Are you counting what you can, or are you measuring what matters?” This simple yet powerful statement emphasized the need to align board priorities with true impact rather than mere box-ticking. The visual of “two buckets and a bin” resonated with me—it encouraged us to categorize practices as ‘keep the same,’ ‘could be improved,’ or ‘put in the bin.’ It was a great reminder that sometimes complex problems can be addressed with straightforward reflection.
Looking Ahead
Aspen People play a vital role in trustee recruitment across Scotland, with many of our team also serving on boards independently. This conference reinforced the importance of discussing the evolving needs of charity boards and celebrating their successes. I left feeling energized and excited to implement new insights at Aspen, looking forward to continuing our support of charity boards across Scotland.