Often, trustees have a range of commitments and are only able to meet perhaps three or four times annually and this may not be suitable to keep on top of investment issues. Increasingly, charities are being encouraged by the guidelines set out by the Charity Commission (CC14) to review investments regularly and take advice where necessary.

One or more trustees of a particular charity may well have investment experience and this can add real value to the board. Despite this, it is still important to seek professional advice, even if it is just for an investment ‘health check’ or a review of the investment strategy. Seeking independent advice can also help trustees to ensure compliance with the Charity Commission which is becoming increasingly more important.