'In whom we trust?' The experiences of trustees in learning disability charities

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the experiences of volunteers who are trustees in learning disability charities. Addressing a gap in the study of charity governance, we consider (a) what it means to be a trustee, (b) what trustees do and (c) what it is like to be a trustee. We argue that the complexity of the trustee volunteer experience suggests a need for a dynamic understanding of trusteeship. Drawing on Saward's work (2006, 2009, 2010), we discuss 'what is going on in trusteeship?' and the experiences of trusteeship as a series of representative claims. This is particularly pertinent to charities that work with and/or for people with learning disabilities where questions of representation are highly complex and politicised. The article presents a novel perspective on trusteeship to further our understanding of how trustees negotiate and address the demands of the position.