Governance

“Charity trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. They may be called trustees, the board, the management committee, governors, directors or something else”.

Find out more about Charity trustee: what’s involved (CC3a)

The role of the Trustee:

  • Ultimately responsible for running the organisation
  • Ensure the organisation meets it’s aims
  • Ensure the organisation meets it’s legal obligations
  • Share responsibility for decisions and actions

As a Trustee you must make sure that your organisation:

  • Pursues its objects or purposes, as set put in your governing document (sometimes called your Constitution or Articles)
  • Uses its assets to exclusively pursue those aims
  • Acts in the best interest of its beneficiaries

You should also:

  • Take an active part in the charity
  • Avoid conflict with your personal interests
  • Not profit from our role unless it has been authorised

Being a trustee of a charitable organisation can be both rewarding and daunting at the same time. We have a number of resources available to help you navigate your way through.

Webinar – Trustees – roles and responsibilities

The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do – Charity Commission

Future Builders: free governance support for VCS organisations in the East Riding of Yorkshire

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