Trustees Explained: Who Should You Choose and Why?

Helping you choose the right people to manage your Trusts with care and confidence.

What Is a Trustee?

A Trustee is the person (or people) responsible for managing the assets held in a Trust — according to the terms you've set and in the best interests of your chosen beneficiaries. Whether the Trust is created during your lifetime or in your Will, Trustees play a vital role in making sure your wishes are carried out properly.

What Does a Trustee Do?

Trustees have both legal and practical responsibilities, including:

• Managing and safeguarding Trust assets (e.g. property, savings, investments)
• Making decisions about how and when to distribute funds
• Keeping accurate records and accounts
• Acting impartially and in the beneficiaries’ best interests
• Following the Trust’s terms and any relevant laws
  

In short, Trustees are the people you’re trusting to honour your legacy — and look after what matters most.

Who Can Be a Trustee?

Anyone over 18 can technically be a Trustee, but choosing the right person is more important than simply picking someone eligible.

Options include:

• Family or friends – people who know your situation and values
• Professional Trustees – solicitors, accountants, or trust companies
• A mix of both – combining personal understanding with professional support

You can name up to four Trustees. Having at least two is often sensible, so that decisions are made together and responsibilities are shared.

What Makes a Good Trustee?

A good Trustee should be:

• Trustworthy and reliable
• Organised and able to handle paperwork
• Fair and impartial, especially if family dynamics are complex
• Willing to act, potentially over a long period
• Financially competent, especially if managing large sums or investments

They don’t need to be experts — they can take professional advice — but they must be willing and able to take the role seriously.

Things to Consider When Choosing
Ask yourself:

• Will this person act in the best interests of my beneficiaries?
• Can they remain neutral if family conflict arises?
• Are they comfortable making decisions and seeking advice when needed?
• Will they respect my wishes and follow legal duties?

You may also want to write a Letter of Wishes to guide your Trustees without binding them — especially useful in Discretionary Trusts.

Can a Trustee Also Be a Beneficiary?

Yes — someone can be both a Trustee and a beneficiary. This is common in family Trusts. However, you must balance roles carefully to avoid conflicts of interest.

What If They Decline or Step Down?

Trustees can refuse the role or step down later. That’s why it’s good practice to:

• Appoint reserves or replacements
• Choose people who are likely to stay engaged long-term
• Include professional support if needed

Final Thoughts

Choosing Trustees is about more than legal eligibility — it’s about selecting people who will protect your legacy, respect your wishes, and support your loved ones when it matters most.

Not sure who to choose? A quick conversation with a professional can help you make the right decision with clarity and confidence.