Close Brothers Asset Management has launched a trustee training programme to encourage more young people to become trustees and to train them in the skills necessary to guide the strategic direction of a charity.

Close Brothers Asset Management has launched a trustee training programme to encourage more young people to become trustees and to train them in the skills necessary to guide the strategic direction of a charity.

The Close Brothers Trustee Leadership Programme will be launched this month in conjunction with social business Cause4 and will be supported by guest speakers including, Sir Thomas Hughes-Halley, former chief executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care, Close Brothers said in a statement.

Close Brothers said the initiative offers clients and employees a path into the trustee role with a series of structured sessions that introduce them to the importance of trustees and the roles available, alongside the opportunity to develop their leadership skills.

The programme will run from June 2014 to February 2015 with courses taking place every six weeks and at the end of the programme Close brothers and Cause4 will aim to match participants with charities seeking new trustees. Those attendees that commit to being a trustee for two years will be awarded the Close Brothers Trustee Fellowship.

“We support a broad range of charities and charitable trusts and recognise the significant responsibilities placed on – and the impact made by - talented trustees. An injection of young blood can challenge the status quo and provide innovation in areas from digital approach to fundraising. To safeguard future governance we need to ensure the next generation is ready to step up and fulfil this role. But they can’t do this alone,” said Penny Lovell, head of private client services, Close Brothers Asset Management.