New trustee onboarding checklist

How to use this: work through it when a new trustee is appointed. It splits into confirming eligibility, collecting declarations, sharing documents, and running a proper induction.

Confirm eligibility

• [ ] Trustee confirms they are eligible (generally 18+, or 16 if the charity is a CIO or company) and not disqualified.
• [ ] Signed trustee eligibility declaration on file.
• [ ] DBS check completed if the role requires it.
• [ ] Appointment made properly under your governing document, and minuted.

Declarations and register

• [ ] Conflicts of interest declared and added to the register.
• [ ] Trustee added to the Charity Commission register (and Companies House if a charitable company).
• [ ] Contact details recorded.

Documents to share

• [ ] Governing document (constitution, articles or trust deed).
• [ ] Latest accounts and Trustees’ Annual Report.
• [ ] Recent board minutes and the forward calendar of meetings.
• [ ] Key policies: safeguarding, conflicts of interest, reserves, and others relevant to your work.
• [ ] Trustee role description and “The essential trustee” (CC3).

Induction

• [ ] Overview of the charity’s work, beneficiaries and finances.
• [ ] Introduction to the board, staff and how decisions are made.
• [ ] Explanation of trustees’ collective legal duties and the current risks.
• [ ] A named contact (often the chair) for early questions.