Getting on Board has announced it is closing down due to financial pressures, after almost 20 years supporting charity trustee recruitment.

“Despite considerable efforts from the staff, associates and the volunteer board, the reality of an increasingly challenging funding environment for infrastructure charities, coupled with acute resourcing pressures has left no viable alternative but to cease operations,” said the charity.

Getting on Board added it is now “commencing an orderly wind down of the charity”.

The charity launched in 2005 to provide training, guidance and resources to trustees, charities and corporate partners to support recruitment, improve representative and bolster the quality of charity boards.

“None of this work would have been possible without the incredible contribution of our small number of staff, our associate network and the volunteers on our Board and beyond who have been able to make Getting On Board’s mission a reality,” it said.

“Over the years, we have also had the privilege of being supported by wonderful partners, many of whom remain committed to Getting On Board’s mission.”

It added that free seminars and webinars for charities and a regular charity e-bulletin to support trustees are being provided by one of its partners, law firm Russell Cooke.

Getting on board also thanked Ecclesiastical for its support for the annual Festival of Trusteeship.

The charity said it hopes to find “a new home” for this event and will “share more details on this in due course”.

“While progress has been made, the mission is far from accomplished, and there is still vital work to be done,” added Getting on Board’s statement on its closure.

“We are keen to hear from any individuals, charities and organisations that wish to pick up the baton and continue the work to make trusteeship more accessible and effective. In the meantime, you can find FAQs and signposting to other useful contacts on our website.”

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