Charity trustees bring diverse perspectives, approaches, and experiences to the board. Some offer unwavering loyalty that borders on blind faith, while others are relentlessly critical, obstructive, and negative. Neither extreme is helpful; blind loyalty can lead to reckless decisions, while constant negativity breeds anxiety and stifles progress.

So, what qualities define the most effective trustees—those who truly drive success for the charities they serve?

Through my experience as both an investor and a trustee, I’ve observed how the best trustees mirror traits found in successful investors and board members in the corporate world. I've identified a spectrum of trustee types, from those who unintentionally hinder progress to those who actively foster positive change. Here are eight types of trustees, organised along this spectrum.

The Outer Four

The outer four types are trustees to avoid. They fall into two groups: those who believe the team can do no wrong, and those who believe they can do no right.

1. The Chum: Loyal and supportive but lacking critical perspective. Chums often dilute meaningful discussions, bringing little strategic value to the board.

2. The Cheerleader: Enthusiastic and positive, yet prone to ignoring problems. Cheerleaders seldom push for improvement, allowing issues to go unaddressed.

3. The Contrarian: Quick to argue and disrupt, often for the sake of it. Contrarians bring negativity without offering constructive input, hindering board effectiveness.

4. The Cynic: A step beyond the Contrarian, the Cynic questions motives and spreads distrust. Their persistent scepticism creates a hostile boardroom atmosphere.

The Inner Four: Traits of the Ideal Trustee

In the centre of this spectrum lie the four traits that define the most valuable trustees. These qualities, ideally found within a single individual, balance constructive support with accountability, fostering a productive board culture.

1. The Confidant: A trusted advisor who listens thoughtfully, offering strategic guidance and a safe space for discussing challenges.

2. The Counsellor: With a wealth of experience, the Counsellor provides insights on long-term vision and the tactical steps needed to achieve it, grounding the board’s strategy in practical wisdom.

3. The Coach: Believing in the team’s potential, the Coach fosters growth by setting clear goals, holding the team accountable, and celebrating milestones along the way.

4. The Challenger: Unafraid to ask tough questions, the Challenger refines the charity’s strategy by scrutinising assumptions and encouraging thorough planning, helping avoid costly missteps.

The Ideal Trustee: A Synergy of the Inner Four

In an ideal world, these four qualities blend within each trustee, creating a balanced and supportive presence. Such trustees build trust, encourage open communication, and provide strategic guidance that aligns with the charity’s mission. With a commitment to the cause, they challenge, support, and celebrate the team’s successes—ensuring that the charity stays on course and moves toward its goals with purpose and resilience.

Elliot Conway is co-founder and Managing Partner of Alderway Capital and is a Trustee of LSJS and the Tel Aviv University Trust