Sir Josiah Mason Trust knew they needed new trustees. What they didn't anticipate was how much time and energy the search would consume, and how little it would yield. Their independent recruitment efforts were proving both time-consuming and unsuccessful, which is precisely the point at which many organisations realise that specialist support can make all the difference.

That's where Charisma came in.

Spotting an opportunity to help

Charisma approached Sir Josiah Mason Trust directly, recognising that their self-managed search was falling short. Rather than simply making an introduction, we followed up with a full proposal, structured clearly enough for the team to present to their board for approval. Once the board gave the green light, we were appointed as their recruitment partner.

It's a dynamic we understand well. Trustee recruitment often sits at the bottom of the to-do list, not because organisations don't care about getting it right, but because day-to-day priorities have a way of crowding it out. Bringing in a dedicated partner means the search gets the focus it deserves, without placing additional strain on an already stretched team.

Understanding the brief

Good recruitment starts with listening. Our consultant invested time upfront with the CEO to build a thorough picture of what the Trust actually needed. This wasn't simply about filling vacancies. It was about understanding the existing board's composition, identifying the gaps left by those who had stepped down, and clarifying the specific skills, experience, and fresh perspectives that would genuinely complement and strengthen the team.

That kind of nuanced brief takes time to develop properly, but it pays dividends throughout the entire search. When you know exactly what you're looking for, the process becomes sharper and the outcomes become stronger.

Building the foundations

With the brief established, Charisma got to work on the groundwork. We supported the Trust with developing their job descriptions and, with the help of our administration team, produced a polished candidate pack that presented the opportunity clearly and compellingly. First impressions matter in recruitment, and a well-crafted information pack signals to prospective candidates that the organisation is serious, professional, and worth their time.

A thorough search, front to back

With everything in place, we launched a full search combining marketing, advertising, and proactive headhunting. Casting a wide net is important, but it's the screening that determines the quality of what comes through.

After conducting our screening interviews, we presented the hiring panel with CVs, supporting statements, and candidate summaries for four individuals who each met the brief. The panel then invited all four to interview.

The panel were delighted with the standard and professionalism of the candidates presented.

That response is one we hear often, and it never gets old. It reflects what happens when the brief is properly understood, the search is thorough, and the screening is genuinely rigorous rather than cursory.

The outcome

The process resulted in the successful appointment of a new Chair and three Trustees, giving Sir Josiah Mason Trust a refreshed and well-rounded board equipped to carry the organisation forward.

For a Trust that had been spinning its wheels with self-managed recruitment, the contrast was stark. A structured, supported process delivered results that months of independent effort had not.

What this tells us about trustee recruitment

Trustee and board-level recruitment carries its own particular challenges. The roles are often voluntary, which changes the nature of the proposition. Candidates need to feel genuinely connected to the cause, confident in the organisation's direction, and clear on what will be expected of them. Getting that message right, and reaching the right people in the first place, requires experience and a well-maintained network.

It also requires an understanding of board dynamics. Replacing departing trustees isn't simply a matter of finding capable individuals. It's about reading what the board already has, and identifying what it needs in order to function at its best. That's a more layered conversation than a standard recruitment brief, and one we genuinely enjoy having with our clients.

Ready to strengthen your board?

If your organisation is finding trustee or board recruitment harder than it should be, we'd love to have a conversation. Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to move a stalled process forward, Charisma has the experience, the network, and the approach to help you get it right.

Get in touch with the Charisma team