The Charity Commission has released updated guidance on paying trustees, reaffirming the core principle that trustees serve on a voluntary basis. Known as ‘CC11’, the revised guidance has been redesigned to make it clearer and easier to use, following feedback from charities and sector bodies.
While the legal rules remain unchanged, the guidance now outlines different payment scenarios—such as supplying services, covering loss of earnings, or employment—helping trustees assess risks, manage conflicts of interest, and determine if they have the legal authority to proceed.
The Commission also published a separate guide on trustee expenses, clarifying that these do not count as payments. Reasonable expenses, including travel, accommodation, childcare, and adjustments for disabilities, can and should be reimbursed to ensure trustees can fulfil their roles.
Read the updated guidance on the Charity Commission website here
