A Breath of Fresh Air: Young People as Trustees

At Vinspired, we are dedicated to integrating young people at all levels of our organization, empowering them to influence and guide our initiatives. Our Youth Advisory Board, known as v20, plays a crucial role in advising us on various aspects of Vinspired’s work.

Four members of v20 also serve as trustees. A recent report, “A Breath of Fresh Air: Young People as Trustees,” highlights the significant role young people can play in shaping the objectives and missions of organizations by serving as trustees.

The report reveals a concerning statistic: individuals aged 18-24 make up only 0.5% of trustees in England and Wales, reflecting a lack of representation. Vinspired aims to inspire organizations to diversify their boards, ensuring a broader range of voices is heard.

The findings indicate that nearly half of organizations have vacancies at board level, often struggling to recruit trustees. Volunteering emerges as a key pathway to trusteeship, with many young trustees beginning their journey through volunteer roles. It’s essential for organizations to actively recruit young people, appreciating the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm they bring.

Trusteeship not only allows young people to contribute to their communities but also fosters personal growth. Young volunteers report skill development in areas such as leadership, creativity, and teamwork. Trusteeship further enhances decision-making, financial literacy, and confidence.

For more insights on youth involvement and innovation, explore our articles on Young People and Business: Innovation Through Collaboration and Our Youth Advisory Board looks to the Future.

Through volunteering and trusteeship, young people can make a significant impact in civic engagement and entrepreneurship, all while preparing for future leadership roles.

For more on how young volunteers are shaping their futures, see Young People, Big Society and V Volunteers Tell DWP What They Need to Get Into Work.