Fully funded places now open for the new Digital Trustees cohort! Third Sector Lab is launching a new cohort of the Digital Trustees Programme, with fully funded places available thanks to support from The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The Robertson Trust. Since March 2025, the programme has engaged 151 tech professionals who want to join charity boards. Based on user research, a new cohort model has been developed to help around 25 charities strengthen digital leadership, understand the skills they need at board level, and be matched with a tech specialist ready to join as a trustee. Follow-up support is included. This opportunity is open to grantholders from each of the three funders who have a current or upcoming board vacancy, or who are preparing to recruit. No digital expertise is required. Key details • Cohort dates: December 2025 – January 2026 • Format: 2–3 short online sessions • Additional benefit: Access to the Digital Trustees community of practice • Deadline: 5pm on 5 December 2025 How to apply Use the relevant application link for your funder: The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland grantholders → https://lnkd.in/e7DM2tM6 Esmée Fairbairn Foundation grantholders → https://lnkd.in/e4r4tm_c The Robertson Trust grantholders → https://lnkd.in/eiv9ChZj Charities looking to build stronger digital leadership and improve board-level confidence are encouraged to apply. Please share this opportunity with any grantholders who may benefit.
Digital Trustees
Technology, Information and Internet
We're aiming to get digital on the agenda of every charity board in the UK.
About us
The Digital Trustee programme, an initiative by Third Sector Lab and supported by Catalyst, is dedicated to integrating digital expertise into charity boards across the UK. Our mission is to ensure every charity board can leverage digital tools to enhance their strategy and operations. Through monthly matchmaking events and a wealth of shared resources, we facilitate connections between charities and professionals from tech, data, design, IT, and other digital fields. For Charities: - Access expertise to shape your long-term strategy. - Empower your board with a deeper understanding of digital's potential. - Gain a competitive edge in data, design, and technology. For Professionals: - Join a charity board to enhance your leadership skills. - Collaborate with a diverse group of board members. - Make a meaningful impact on a cause you’re passionate about. Digital Trustee is your pathway to bridging the gap between digital innovation and the third sector, fostering growth and sustainability.
- Website
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https://thirdsectorlab.co.uk/digital-trustees/
External link for Digital Trustees
- Industry
- Technology, Information and Internet
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
Updates
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Digital isn't just a buzzword - it's a powerful tool for positive change. The ALLIANCE perfectly illustrates why bringing digital considerations to the boardroom is essential for making real, meaningful differences in people's lives. Excited to continue this important work at our matchmaking session later today!
💡 Digital is no longer optional for boards - strong governance means including voices who understand technology, data, and design. Digital Trustees, delivered by Third Sector Lab and supported by Catalyst, connects charities with volunteers who bring digital, data, and design expertise to governance. The programme has helped more than 50 charities recruit trustees with specialist skills, recognising that strong governance today must include digital expertise. For The ALLIANCE – an organisation representing over 3,000 third sector organisations and individuals across health and social care in Scotland – this meant recognising the importance of embedding digital knowledge directly at board level. ⚡ The Challenge Like many third sector organisations, the ALLIANCE was aware that digital change was reshaping health and social care, but its board did not yet reflect that shift. This challenge is common across the sector: while over 90% of charities say digital is vital to achieving their mission, only 56% of leaders believe their boards have the right digital skills (Charity Digital Skills Report 2024). For the ALLIANCE, bridging that gap became essential to ensure their governance reflected the world they are operating in. 🤝 The Digital Trustee Experience Through the Digital Trustees programme, the ALLIANCE explored what it would mean to have trustees with specialist digital skills. The programme runs monthly matchmaking events for charities seeking trustees, alongside resources and guidance to support recruitment. This support helped the ALLIANCE to identify their skills gap and ultimately welcome new expertise onto their board. 💬 “The Digital Trustee scheme was instrumental for the ALLIANCE in highlighting the benefits of having someone with digital, data or design experience on our board, and ultimately helping us make it happen.” – Chris Mackie 🌟 Outcomes & Impact ✅ A clearer understanding among trustees of the value of digital at governance level. ✅ Successful recruitment of trustees with digital and design backgrounds, addressing a critical skills gap. ✅ A more resilient board, better equipped to respond to a fast-changing external environment. Research shows boards with digital skills are more prepared for crises and external shocks, strengthening long-term resilience. 🔑 Why It Matters Cybersecurity, AI, and data protection are among the top governance risks for charities in 2025, making digital expertise a necessity rather than a bonus. For the ALLIANCE, having trustees with digital and design knowledge means they can approach these challenges with confidence and foresight. 👉 Could your board benefit from a Digital Trustee? Link in the comments to learn more.
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Digital Trustees Matchmaking is back on Zoom - 23 Sept 2-3pm 🤝 Charities - Find a digital, data or design professional for your board 👩💻 Professionals - Find a cause looking for your skills on their board ⭐ Hosted by Ross McCulloch and Zoe Greenfield - we're making it easier than ever to connect charities and professionals from tech, data, design, IT and other digital backgrounds. It's 60 minutes of fun matchmaking with no obligation to either join a board or select any of the candidates. Huge thanks to The Robertson Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland for making Digital Trustees possible. Sign-up link in the comments - there's only 20 spaces available 👇
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Want to bring digital expertise to your charity board? Or are you a digital professional keen to support the third sector? Join our Digital Trustees Matchmaking Event! 📅 Wednesday 2nd April | ⏰ 10:00 – 11:00 AM | 📍 Online This session connects charities with experts in tech, data, design, IT, and more to strengthen digital leadership in the sector. Limited spots available, sign up now! 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eiieUiQT #DigitalTrustees #ThirdSector #CharityLeadership #NonProfit
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A Fresh Start for Charities and Tech Experts! This is a new opportunity to join our Digital Trustees Matchmaking Event and help bring digital expertise to charity boards across the UK. Whether you're a charity looking to innovate or a professional eager to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity to connect. 📅 When: Wednesday 29th January 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00am–11:00am (online) 🎟️ Places are limited! The session includes an intro by Ross McCulloch, founder of Third Sector Lab, and interactive breakout rooms to connect with like-minded individuals. Register now and help shape the future of the third sector! 👉 https://shorturl.at/9rLQa #DigitalTrustees #CharityBoards #DigitalSkills
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