Please see our checklist below for everything you need to think about when you are a trustee for a charity:
Responsibilities
Trustees have overall legal responsibility for the charity by ensuring that:
- the charity achieves its purpose;
- the assets in the charity are protected and used exclusively to pursue its purpose;
- the charity complies with the Law in its governing documents;
- the charity remains solvent and is not exposed to undue risk.
General Duties
Trustees:
- first of all have a duty of care to act reasonably and prudently. This duty is higher in arears where of their own expertise;
- must at all times act in the best interests of the charity and beneficiaries;
- must take advice when they are not confident about making a decision;
- make avoid conflicts between their personal interests and the interests of the charity;
- must not profit from their role unless it has been specifically allowed.
Decision Making
- The Trustees Board must take decisions collectively;
- the Trustees must not take decisions independently unless the governing document or statutory provisions and the Trustee Board give them authority;
- the Trustee Board must meet as often as necessary to carry out the responsibilities.
If you have a query or would like to book an appointment please get in touch with our First Contact team on 01256 320555 or email mail@clarkeandson.co.uk