Member Training

Strong boards are built through both good recruitment and ongoing development. TrusteeConnect’s training programme supports voluntary board members, Chairs, and senior teams with the practical knowledge and confidence needed to govern effectively.

Our sessions are designed to be accessible, relevant, and grounded in real board experience. They focus on the issues boards are actively grappling with, from financial oversight and fundraising to governance responsibilities, collaboration, and external engagement.

All sessions are delivered by subject matter experts and form a core part of TrusteeConnect membership.

Upcoming Training Sessions

Making Sense of the Numbers: A Trustee’s Guide to Charity Accounts

(Including an update on the new Charities SORP)
Tuesday 20 January, 6.00–7.15pm

Understanding charity accounts doesn’t have to be daunting. This session, led by Elaine Alsop (EA Independent), breaks down the key financial information trustees need to know, including legal requirements, different types of accounts, and levels of financial scrutiny.

The session will explore what a set of charity accounts should include, what each section tells you, and highlight key updates introduced under the latest Charities SORP. Importantly, it will focus on how to interpret the numbers, what they reveal about financial health, funding models, and long-term sustainability, helping trustees feel more confident in their financial oversight.
Time is included for Q&A and signposting to further support.

Mergers: A Strategic Opportunity, Not a Last Resort

Monday 16 February, 5.00–6.00pm

With increasing pressure on funding, capacity, and leadership, more boards are re-thinking how best to protect impact and long-term sustainability. This session helps trustees and senior leaders understand when mergers or strategic collaborations can be a genuine opportunity rather than a sign of failure.

Using practical examples, the session explores the board’s role, common challenges, and how to approach early conversations in a thoughtful, strategic way.

Fundraising in Practice: A Practical Overview for Boards and Senior Teams

Thursday 12 March, 5.30–6.30pm

This practical session explores what good fundraising looks like in practice and the role boards and senior teams play in enabling it. It covers the range of income approaches organisations typically use, common challenges, and how trustees and leaders can provide the right balance of support, challenge, and strategic direction.

Introduction to Political Engagement

Monday 6 April, 5.30–6.30pm

This session provides an accessible introduction to public affairs in Scotland, starting with a brief overview of the political landscape and the role of the Scottish Parliament.

It explores the range of public affairs tools available to organisations, why clear planning matters, and how to develop an effective public affairs strategy. The session also covers practical considerations when working with politicians, setting realistic goals, and building productive relationships.
It concludes with an overview of how elections can create opportunities for engagement and how the media can support public affairs activity.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Trustee

Thursday 23 April, 5.30–6.30pm

Led by Sarah Brown (Sarah Brown Charity Law), this session provides a clear, practical overview of trustee duties and good governance principles. It is designed to help boards remain compliant, confident, and effective in their roles.

Our approach to training

TrusteeConnect training is designed to complement board recruitment by ensuring that people joining boards are supported to contribute effectively. Sessions are practical rather than theoretical, and focused on helping boards navigate real-world challenges with confidence.

If you would like to discuss training or TrusteeConnect membership in more detail, please get in touch.