Trustees’ Week runs from 9 to 13 November 2026. It celebrates the trustees who give their time and skills to charities across the UK, and it’s a good moment to share the support available to them.
Donal Watkin, Chief Executive, reflects on the role trustees play at ACO and across our network.
“Trustees make such a difference, both at ACO and across our network.
Our board brings a real range of experience. Some lead member charities while others bring expertise from finance, policy and beyond. As a small team we lean on that knowledge when we need it most, and it shapes how we support our members.
Across our network, trustees bring that same breadth of skills to their own charities. Many give their time alongside demanding roles elsewhere, and some members are run entirely by trustees. Their commitment keeps vital support available to the people who need it. Thank you to every one of them.”
However your charity is run, your trustees are part of the ACO network too. Here’s what that means for them.
What trustees can access
Trustees of ACO member charities can access everything we offer.
Our Members Area holds recaps and recordings from past events, so trustees can catch up in their own time.
Circle, our private online community, connects trustees with peers across the network. It’s a space to ask questions, share ideas and learn how other charities approach similar challenges.
Our events are open to trustees too, from our forums and learning sessions to specialist workshops with our partners.
For trustee run charities, this support can be especially valuable. When there’s no staff team to lean on, a network of peers who understand your work can make a real difference.
Supporting new trustees
We’re adding new sessions to help member charities welcome trustees to their boards. A peer session will give members the chance to share how they approach trustee induction and learn from each other. We’ll also be running regular welcome sessions for new trustees across our network.
If you’d like to take part, or have ideas you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you.
More support for trustees
The Trustees’ Week website has a range of events running throughout the week. You’ll also find the Charity Commission’s five minute guides to refresh your knowledge, plus a quiz to test what you know.
Get in touch
If your trustees aren’t using their membership yet, or you’d like to register interest in our trustee sessions, email info@aco.uk.net.