Non-profits face unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic - 1 in 3 charities made redundancies in 2020, 83% forecast reduced income in 2021 and 1 in 10 warning of potential failure. At the same time 75% are experiencing increased demand for their services. Every non-profit needs individuals with financial expertise - whether on a part-time or full-time basis or in an oversight role. The average trustee is white, male, between the ages of 55-64 with above average education and income.

Charterpath is a charitable initiative aimed at 'charting a path' between accountants and the non-profit sector. We are looking to inspire more accountants into volunteering, to connect them with relevant non-profit opportunities (and a wider volunteer network) and engage with third parties such as accounting institutes / corporates to embed volunteering as a status-quo from accounting trainees up until retirement. We hope this will make it easier for non-profits to source and recruit high quality volunteers with financial skills and also improve the diversity of such volunteers.

You cannot underestimate the benefits of volunteering to the individual as well as the non-profit. Serving as a trustee is a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience of a Board or Executive Committee. You will also build a great network to support future career development. Most importantly, volunteering is a chance to feel good from making a difference and there are also proven benefits for mental health.