The Charity Commission has updated its CC11 guidance, reminding charities that paying trustees can lead to negative public perceptions and should be approached with caution. The guidance reinforces the idea that trustee roles are generally voluntary and that charities should explore all other options before deciding to offer payment.
If a charity does decide to pay a trustee, it must have the legal power to do so stated in its governing document, and it must be confident the decision is in the charity’s best interests. The Commission also warns that paying a trustee can create conflicts of interest and potentially give that individual too much influence, which could impact the charity’s ability to meet its legal responsibilities. Any payment made must be reasonable and justifiable.
Visit the charity commisison website to read the revised documents: Charities paying a trustee or a connected person: understand the rules (CC11)