Update - November 2025
The Trustee Forward programme is well underway with our first cohort of new trustees and aspiring Chairs from across the borough.
At a glance:
- the programme has begun with 16 mentors and 26 mentees
- two training sessions for mentees have been completed – covering Good Governance and Strategy
- the first in-person peer support session has taken place for participants to connect to one another – discussions were around key themes including risk, strategy, how to add value as a trustee, and the role of Chair
- 1-2-1 mentoring sessions have begun and are ongoing - these are independently arranged between mentor/mentee and, as we check-in and gather feedback, at least 20 sessions have taken place to date
- a social meet-up for all participants is scheduled in November
- two further training sessions will take place in November and December - Risk Management and Finance
- two final training sessions will take place in January - Fundraising and The Chair Role
- further peer support sessions and networking opportunities will take place in the new year.
We're delighted to hear very positive feedback to date - with reflections on common challenges, the different strengths individuals bring to the board, and the value of speaking to others in similar situations - and are excited to see the programme mature in the coming months.
If you have any questions about the Trustee Forward programme, email santiagot@richmondcvs.org.uk.
Participant applications are currently closed
What the free programme offers
There are three core components across the programme which will mostly be delivered remotely:
- Additional targeted training - there will be up to six sessions of targeted training for participants, with topics determined according to participant priorities and feedback. At least one will specifically target aspiring Chairs.
- Mentorship scheme -participants will be matched with experienced trustees who have volunteered to be mentors. Volunteer Mentors will provide up to six one-to-one mentoring sessions to help build soft skills and confidence.
- Peer support opportunities - participants will be provided with peer support opportunities to connect and support each other. The aim is to have at least three sessions, designed in consultation with programme participants.
Participants from all backgrounds are welcomed. We particularly encourage applications from people whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented on Boards or who have faced extra barriers to trusteeship. This may include young people, women, people of colour, disabled people, people from a working-class backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people with caring responsibilities, or people with lived experience of the causes their charity supports. These are possible examples and not an exhaustive list.
Applicants will require consent to join the programme from their Chair and, if selected, will be invited to an informal interview.
Read full details of eligibility in the Application Pack here.
We are committed to equal opportunities and want our processes to be fair and inclusive for all. Please get in touch if you require any reasonable adjustments as part of our application process and we will try our best to support you.
Any questions or accessibility requests can be emailed to santiagot@richmondcvs.org.uk.
Click here for the online Trustee Forward Participant Application Form.
Volunteer Mentors
We're happy to have had a great response to our Volunteer Mentor recruitment which has now been completed. Thanks to all those who expressed interest and offered ideas and contributions to the project.
If you are an experienced local trustee interested in offering your knowledge and expertise to help others in the future, please get in touch as there may still be opportunities available. Email santiagot@richmondcvs.org.uk.
In March 2025, Richmond CVS launched the brand new governance project Trustee Forward, in partnership with the Richmond Foundation.
The 12-month project will provide targeted training, a mentorship scheme, and opportunities for peer support to a cohort of both new trustees and aspiring Chairs.
We are aware of the increased pressures that trustees face, the growing number of vacancies, and how the composition of trustee boards is often not fully representative of the communities they serve.
Our aim is to remove barriers to trusteeship, increase diversity, and enable trustees to lead with confidence - in turn, helping to ensure our local sector is well run and well governed.
Project Coordinator, Santiago Torchiaro, is leading this new initiative for Richmond CVS and would be delighted to hear from individuals who would like to get involved:
“I am really looking forward to coordinating Trustee Forward and expanding our offer to trustees. I am highly passionate about the charity sector and making a difference in our communities, and this will be a great opportunity to engage with the sector in new ways.”
If you are new to a local trustee role, looking to develop your governance skills further, or you’re an experienced trustee interested in mentoring, we would love to hear from you.
This is a support programme tailored and developed to match the needs of Richmond's local trustees and we welcome feedback and suggestions.
The formal launch event on the evening of Wednesday 30 April provided the opportunity to network, hear from some inspiring speakers, and learn more about how trustees can participate and benefit.
Amy Vogel, Grants Manager at Richmond Foundation:
“We’re proud to partner with Richmond CVS to support and strengthen the local voluntary and community sector. By working together, we’re focused on building a pipeline of confident, skilled, diverse trustees. Trustee Forward is a fantastic opportunity to improve support for local organisations and the people they serve, and we’re excited to be a part of it with Richmond CVS.”
If you would like to know more, ask questions, or get involved, get in touch by emailing santiagot@richmondcvs.org.uk.
