Serving as a trustee in a Sectional Title Scheme is a role that carries both responsibility and trust. Owners rely on trustees to act in the best interests of the entire community, not just a select few.
“However,” warns Pearl Scheltema, CEO of Fitzanne Estates, “Even with the best intentions, personal relationships, unconscious bias, and internal agendas can influence decision making. These subtle dynamics can erode trust, cause tension, and damage the integrity of the scheme.”
This is where structured training courses for trustees become invaluable. With the right training, trustees can build the skills and awareness needed to lead with fairness, transparency, and objectivity.
One of the most valuable aspects of formal training is that it allows trustees to step outside of their own perspectives. It encourages them to understand their duties in the context of legislation, community governance, and best practices. Instead of relying on assumptions or personal feelings, trustees are empowered to make decisions that are policy-based and aligned with the needs of the collective, not just the influential few. This objective approach strengthens the trust between trustees and owners and helps avoid conflict that could otherwise lead to costly disputes.
The Danger of Bias in Community Governance
“Bias can take many forms, and in community living, it often emerges subtly,” explains Scheltema. “A trustee may favour a friend when appointing a service provider. Another might overlook rule breaches by a neighbour they get along with, while being strict with others. Sometimes, long serving trustees may resist new ideas simply because they come from newer members of the community.”
These behaviours, while not always malicious, create inequality and distrust. When some owners are treated differently to others, frustration builds and confidence in the leadership of the scheme begins to decline.
An example of this is seen in how maintenance decisions are made. If a trustee owns a unit facing the garden and consistently pushes for improvements to that area while neglecting other parts of the property, it may appear as though they are using their position to benefit themselves. Even if the intention was not self-serving, the perception of bias is enough to cause dissatisfaction among other owners. Over time, these actions can lead to divisions within the community and resistance to trustee authority.
Another example is seen in disputes over conduct rules. Imagine a situation where two residents are in conflict over noise. If a trustee has a close relationship with one of the parties, and fails to apply the rules equally or to take proper action, it signals a lack of fairness. This can escalate the dispute and damage the credibility of the trustees.
“These scenarios highlight why it is essential for trustees to not only act impartially, but to be seen to do so,” says Scheltema. “Training helps trustees recognise their own biases and understand the impact of their decisions on the wider community.”
How Training Courses for Trustees Encourage Objectivity
Training Courses for trustees are designed to address these challenges head on. They teach trustees how to manage conflict, apply rules fairly, and interpret legislation correctly. More importantly, they create a shared understanding among board members about what is acceptable, what is legal, and what is in the best interest of the scheme. This consistency in knowledge leads to more unified and principled decision-making.
“Through real-life examples, group discussions, and expert guidance, training provides a safe space to explore complex issues,” says Scheltema, who has been providing trustee training for many years. “Trustees are taught how to handle tricky situations, such as recusing themselves from decisions where a conflict of interest exists. They learn how to evaluate service providers objectively using procurement procedures, rather than personal recommendations. They also gain confidence in upholding rules, even when it affects friends or neighbours.”
Training Courses for trustees also strengthen communication skills, which are essential in managing community expectations. When trustees can explain the reasoning behind decisions clearly and consistently, residents are more likely to respect and accept those decisions, even if they do not always agree.
Get Professional Trustee Training with Fitzanne Estates
At Fitzanne Estates, we have seen how training courses for trustees contribute to better governance and stronger communities. When trustees are confident in their knowledge and approach their duties with professionalism, the entire scheme benefits. Relationships improve, financial decisions become more sustainable, and compliance with legislation increases.
“Trustees are volunteers, often juggling full-time work and personal commitments. They deserve support in fulfilling their duties effectively,” Scheltema notes. “Investing time in training is not just about legal compliance. It is about equipping trustees with the tools to lead fairly, serve with integrity, and protect the long-term value of the property.”
For any trustee looking to make a positive impact, reduce internal conflict, and govern with fairness, training courses for trustees are an essential step. They provide the clarity and confidence needed to make decisions free from personal influence, and to serve the best interests of the entire community.
If you are ready to strengthen your trustee board’s knowledge and promote fair, objective decision-making, consider enrolling in Fitzanne Estates’ professional training course for trustees. These training sessions are designed to empower trustees with the practical skills and legal understanding needed to lead with confidence and integrity. Courses can be conducted in person at our venue or yours.
For more information or to book a session to discuss possible trustee training, contact us. We are here to support your journey towards better community governance.