Trustees' Week 2026 | Voluntary Action Orkney

Trustees’ Week is a national celebration taking place this week from 9 – 13 November 2026. As part of our celebrations we are sharing a series of local trustee stories and our top tips for trustees. New stories and advice will be added to this page throughout the week.

Dedicated volunteers and trustees are at the heart of Orkney’s third sector. They give their time, share their skills, offer fresh ideas and take on responsibilities to help organisations deliver the services and activities that communities rely on.

Our trustee stories offer a personal insight into what it means to be a trustee, celebrating the different experiences, motivations and skills people bring to their roles.

From Chairpersons and Treasurers to Secretaries and other Board Members, they showcase the variety of roles trustees undertake and the positive difference they make to the organisations and our communities they support.

Chair Trustee Story

Amanda's Story

Amanda came to Orkney in 2021 and joined the Board of Relationships Scotland Orkney (RSO) shortly after.

Find out more

Our Top 5 Tips for a Chair

1. Keep the charity’s mission at the heart of everything.
Regularly bring discussions back to the organisations purpose and the difference it wants to make.
2. Listen well and encourage everyone to contribute.
Create an environment where trustees feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking difficult questions and challenging decisions respectfully. Make sure quieter voices are heard and differences of opinion are welcomed.
3. Know your constitution and keep it under review.
Make sure you understand your organisations constitution, including the rules around trustee responsibilities, meetings, decision-making, appointments and terms of office. Ensure the board follows these rules and schedule a formal review at least every three years to check that the constitution remains fit for purpose and reflects the organisation’s needs.
4. Stay on top of trustee conflicts of interest.
Make sure conflicts of interest are identified, declared and managed properly. Keep the register of interests up to date, ask trustees to declare any conflicts at the start of meetings and ensure these are recorded accurately in the minutes.
5. Make sure your policies and procedures are fit for purpose.
Regularly check that the organisation has the right policies and procedures in place to operate safely, effectively and in line with its legal and regulatory responsibilities. Ask when each policy was last reviewed and updated, who is responsible for it, and whether trustees, staff and volunteers understand how to apply it. Keep a review schedule so that policies remain current, relevant and appropriate as the charity evolves.