Job Description
Trustees’ responsibilities are set out by the Charity Commission. They are:
• Ensuring that the organisation has a clear strategy and plan for achieving its mission.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuanceof its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision,
support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Person specification
• Commitment to the organisation’s mission and model of working
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to board meetings
• Appreciation of the separate roles of governance and operations
• Ability to think strategically as well as appropriately scrutinise the charity’ activities
• Ability to work effectively with other board members as a team combined with good, independent judgement
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• Willingness to take a lead in specialist areas of work and to participate (as time and expertise permits) in activities outside board meetings.