They are the people responsible under the charity's governing document for controlling and managing the charity, regardless of what they are called. For example, if a charity is an unincorporated association the members of the executive or management committee or, in some cases, the members of the charity's council, are the charity trustees.
Trusteeship carries legal responsibilities and duties.
The charity trustees are personally accountable for the proper management of the charity and its assets, and are required to act prudently at all times in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries. No one under the age of 18 can be appointed as a trustee, and some people are disqualified by law from acting as charity trustees. First and foremost trustees must be selected for what they can contribute to the charity. They should be selected on the basis of their relevant experience and skills and must be prepared to take an active part in the running of the charity. If the governing document does not specify the length of service of a trustee, the appointment continues until the trustee dies or resigns or is removed from office.