The Essential Trustee
A Charity Commission publication setting out all you need to know formally about being a trustee. First published: March 2012, latest updates: May 2018.
To act within powers, and to comply with the company’s constitution.
To act (in good faith) to promote the success of the organisation.
To exercise independent judgment.
To exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence.
To avoid conflicts (or possible conflicts) of interest.
Not to accept benefits from third parties.
To declare any personal interests.
In the interests of creditors (especially in times of financial difficulty).
In the interests of its employees.
With regard to the long-term consequence of any decision in mind.
Confidentially.
With regard to relationships with suppliers, customers and generally with its local community and the environment.
To maintain reputation.
To act fairly as between members of the organisation.
The obligation to file information at Companies House.
Not to trade whilst insolvent.
To operate in accordance with the relevant Health and Safety regulations.
A Charity Commission publication setting out all you need to know formally about being a trustee. First published: March 2012, latest updates: May 2018.
Find out what being a charity trustee involves, if you can claim expenses and where to get help and advice. First published: May 2013, latest updates: May 2018.
Nick Mott, Head of Policy Development and Review at the Charity Commission, highlights the key points of the Essential Trustee guidance. Published: August 2016.
What is the role of a board director and how should they go about fulfilling their responsibilities?
Company Directors have a legal duty to avoid conflicts of interest. This help sheet is designed to help you identify and deal with them correctly.
Chairs have a key role in ensuring the charity complies with the law which can feel daunting. The law is complex, wide-ranging, and changeable. Legal advice is typically expensive, may slow things down and can feel like a block to action. But a breach of the law can have serious consequences for the charity, and sometimes for the trustees personally. This briefing helps you understand the issues and find a workable approach.
As a new charity trustee, this guide will help you in your role. It can also be used by existing trustees to refresh knowledge and skills. Published: April 2018.
This guidance applies to the trustees of all charities in England and Wales, registered and unregistered. The Commission recommends that trustees read this guidance to understand the basics, and how it expects them to deal with conflicts of interest facing them or their charity. First published May 2014. Latest edition February 2017.
A guide to conflicts of interest policies, trustee benefits and transactions between trustees and charities from DCMS and the Charity Commission. First Published: 2008, re-published 2018.
Supporting arts and cultural institutions to become more sustainable.
The Charity Commission has issued practical 5-minute guides on the following subjects: delivering purpose, managing finances, conflicts of interest, making decisions, reporting information, safeguarding people
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