Charities do not do enough to inform their donors about becoming trustees, says Derek Laud, a partner at Stanhope Capital, who is looking to set up a social stock exchange.

Laud, who has been in discussions with United Nations representatives about his idea for a social stock exchange, said too often the rich had a “stranglehold” on the governance structure and participation in charities:

“I give my money to Unicef,” he says. “And all I ever hear from Unicef is that they want more money. I am a sophisticated customer but I have not a clue how to get myself on the board of Unicef.”

He has suggested that donors should have more engagement in the direction of the charity they support, perhaps by receiving ‘shares’ in the organisation that would give them more say over the work the charity does.

He also said that it is essential that donors get information on becoming trustees and that they can stand for election to the board.

Laud, who was a contestant on Big Brother 6 in 2005, is looking at setting up a social stock exchange for charities with trading arms. He has spoken to minister for civil society Nick Hurd about the idea, and had talks with the United Nation’s secretariat of social innovation.

He also described himself as an "advocate" for the charity Gamcare.