Finding the right independent trustee for your EO board
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Are you creating a trust board as part of your transition to employee ownership (EO) or currently succession planning your trustee needs?
Perhaps you’re concerned about the mix of skills and experience your established EOT board has or want to develop previous employee trustees by connecting them to interesting trustee roles elsewhere.
If so, you’ll know why securing an effective independent trustee is so important.
The good news is we can help.
At Telos Partners, we connect high-calibre independent trustees with forward-thinking EO organisations through our EO Trustee Appointment Service (EOTAS) – in partnership with leading executive search business Russam.
Understanding what makes an effective independent trustee
'A good independent trustee brings independence of thought, a fresh pair of eyes and the ability to ask the really simple questions that invite people to think in a different way'
Telos's approach to independent trustee resourcing reflects our knowledge of the EO sector and first-hand trustee experience of our EO team.
Our consultant Jeremy Gadd was an independent trustee for two innovative EO businesses – multi award-winning animation company Aardman and design-led manufacturer and supplier The Rooflight Company – for six years. He is now an independent trustee with Ipex Consulting.
As he explains: ‘A good independent trustee brings independence of thought, a fresh pair of eyes and the ability to ask the really simple questions that invite people to think in a different way.
‘You’re there to ensure the company is being run in the best interests of the beneficiaries – who are the employees – and that’s different to other Non-Executive Director roles.’
Part of the role is to fill a gap by providing additional insight and skills. Jeremy cites the ability to listen and ask good questions, curiosity, empathy, commercial know-how and sound judgement as integral to being an independent trustee.
Working together is also important.
‘You’re independent but you must be a team player, recognising that everyone is playing their part. You can also support any employee trustees to develop in their role as their business grows.’
Here's how our EO independent trustee resourcing support works – in partnership with Russam.
Looking for an independent trustee for your EOT board?
At Telos Partners, our team works with owners, leaders and existing boards to clarify and meet your trustee needs.
Using our database and targeted marketing we identify and connect you with high-calibre candidates, with the right experience and skills.
We agree terms at the start of the service and a non-refundable deposit is taken, with nothing more to pay until a placement is confirmed.
Looking for an independent trustee? Get started by contacting our EO team here to discuss your trustee needs.
Want to be an independent trustee on an EOT board?
Working in partnership with Russam, we work with established independent trustees, those looking for their first independent trustee role and trustees seeking a new opportunity at the end of their term.
To get started, follow these simple steps:
Download our EO independent trustee role profile here
Register your interest by joining Russam's independent trustee database here.
Why Telos Partners works with Russam
Russam is the UK's longest established interim management company and a leading executive search business which includes a thriving board practice. With specialisms across several markets, it provides innovative solutions to meet clients’ needs.
Russam’s board practice has a unique perspective and expertise gained from experience in the not-for-profit and commercial sectors which includes board recruitment, board evaluation and working with Cranfield University on their NED Education courses.
For Telos Partners, Russam is a natural partner in our EO Independent Trustee Appointment Service as experts in candidate management and board appointments.
Russam is a co-founder of Trustees Unlimited, a social business and B Corporation which continues to play a leading role in helping organisations improve their governance by recruiting talent from a diverse talent pool.
Russam also played a crucial role in developing Step on Board, a pioneering programme that has seen hundreds of senior directors from organisations such as Google, Barclays and EY become trustees of not-for-profit organisations.
Russam’s board practices are based on the belief that good governance touches society as a whole and should be a top priority for all organisations.
Want to explore the other support Telos Partners' EO team can offer, including how we help to build effective trust boards?
Get in touch here.
