Fundraisers and trustees have taken blame for the controversies of recent times. Maybe it’s time the two became one.

Once upon a time, the Institute of Fundraising and NCVO called on fundraisers to join charity boards. That time was nearly six years ago, and we have no data on how many charities or fundraisers actually heeded that call. One might argue, not enough.

Because, now, trustees are as much under fire as fundraisers. And perhaps both could have avoided that fire had there been not only better communication, but also better cross-pollination between the two areas of charity management.

The rationale behind the original call for fundraisers, in particular IoF members, to volunteer as trustees was that it would mean that boards had a better understanding of fundraising, and were less likely to make unrealistic asks of their fundraising teams. Potentially, that it would also mean those boards could shut down poor practice and defend good practice all the more quickly and forcefully.

It’s time to reprise that call. It’s time for boards to bring fundraisers in from the cold. It’s time for fundraisers to demonstrate to boards that they are not a necessary evil, but necessary full stop. Similarly, fundraisers across the spectrum need to understand the concerns and competing responsibilities of those with whom the buck stops.

Many good fundraisers are, indeed, already dedicated trustees. Some charities will – to their detriment – retain bias against fundraisers. But wouldn’t it be good for the sector as a whole if for every new trustee position advertised, the charity is inundated with applications from fundraisers intent on helping, not hiding?

Responsibility here is shared. Boards cannot afford to risk ignorance on fundraising issues and practice. There has been enough blaming in the sector over the past year. We’re all in this together. It’s time to actually work together too.