By Hannah Corbett, Head of Communications

With almost two thirds of 170,000 UK charities looking to fill places for skilled trustees, civil servants could be part of the answer. Yet public officials are an underrepresented group in charity boardrooms with only one in 10 civil servants taking on charity trustee roles.  Trusteeship isn’t just about giving back; it’s about gaining, too. That 80% of trustees recommend the role speaks volumes about how rewarding being a trustee is.

Central and local government staffs’ skills and experiences offer a unique blend of strategic thinking, governance expertise, and a commitment to public good—traits that charities value immensely.

Here’s why civil servants could help charities thrive by becoming trustees.

1. Expertise in governance

Charities need trustees who understand governance and compliance, and civil servants bring precisely that. Working in government, they are used to operating within strict regulatory frameworks. This experience helps them navigate the complex rules charities must follow, making sure organisations stay on the right side of the law and operate ethically. This insight builds trust with stakeholders and keeps charities running smoothly and responsibly.

2. Strategic thinking to drive real change

Government officials spend their careers planning for long-term goals and tackling big challenges. They know how to think beyond immediate needs and look toward the future. This skill is especially helpful in charities, where vision and strategy often get overshadowed by the demands of day-to-day operations. A government employee on a charity board can help define a strong vision, set achievable goals, and stay resilient when challenges arise.

3. Commitment to public service and integrity

Many civil servants are driven by a desire to serve the public good. This aligns perfectly with the charity sector, which exists to make a positive impact. With their dedication to improving lives of communities, they bring a sense of integrity and commitment to the boardroom. This focus on honesty and accountability sets the tone for the charity, ensuring that all actions reflect the organisation’s mission and values.

4. Communication and engagement skills

Engaging with a wide range of stakeholders—public officials, community leaders, businesses—is a regular part of the work of Whitehall staff and those in local government. In charities, this skill is vital. As trustees, they will know how to build partnerships, secure resources, and build strong community relationships, all of which are key to a charity’s success.

5. Financial responsibility and budgeting skills

Many are responsible for handling public funds, managing tight budgets and ensuring every penny counts. This experience is invaluable for charities, where resources are often limited. A public official trustee can guide the charity toward smart, sustainable financial decisions, helping to make the most of its resources.

Let’s make it happen

Encouraging more central and local government employees to become trustees could be transformative for charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations and help bring community insights closer to government. With their mix of skills and commitment to serving the public, they have the potential to make a lasting difference, helping charities reach their goals and create a better world for everyone. 

This blog was inspired by discussions at PBE’s A Civil Alliance event.

Image: DF Photography