The ideal board

The Charity Commission and other bodies (NCVO; see links below) provide guidance on how a Charity Board should be constituted. This may involve the following characteristics:

• Between 5 and 12 members.
• Terms of office should not be normally longer than nine years; although there is no legal requirement for this, guidance suggests terms of longer than nine years should be carefully reviewed and justified in annual returns.
• Regular reviews of the composition of the Board to ensure it meets the aims and objectives of the Charity.
• Trustees should be chosen on the basis of one or more of the following:
  1. For their specialist skills or knowledge. The charity will benefit from individuals who are highly skilled in relevant areas.
  2. Because they have lived experience or a connection to those with a stake or interest in the charity’s work. This will help the board to be in tune with the needs of the charity’s beneficiaries.
  3. Because they differ from current board members. Their varying experiences and perspectives will help promote diversity and inclusivity in the Charity.
  4. For their status, influence, contacts or public standing. The charity will benefit from committed and influential people to fundraise and/or raise its profile.
• Trustees may include officers, such as Chairman and Secretary and Treasurer.

https://www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-guidance/governance/making-decisions-as-a-board/reviewing-the-structure-of-your-board/#/

https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/5-board-effectiveness