Recruiting trustees with lived experience

What does 'lived experience' mean?

Lived experience refers to knowledge or understanding of a particular issue or cause, gained through first-hand experience. We believe strongly in the importance of diverse and inclusive boards, and the value of having a broad range of perspectives at the table. Trustees with lived experience can bring powerful perspectives and play an important role in shaping your strategy.

Advice on recruiting for lived experience 

Organisations that are recruiting for lived experience can find useful guidance in the following: 

• The Trustee Recruitment Cycle for valuable guidance on building a diverse and inclusive board
• Getting on Board’s guide How to Diversify Your Charity’s Board, which includes a great chapter on recruiting for lived experience; and
• Bayes Business School’s resources for inclusion and participation of trustees with lived experience.