Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee:

  • To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
  • To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
  • To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
  • To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
  • To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
  • To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
  • To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
  • If the charity employs staff, to appoint the chief executive officer and monitor his/her performance.

Main duties

1. Formulating the strategic aims

  • Consider the organisation as a whole and its beneficiaries, whether as a member of the trustees or any of its committees, sub-committees, groups etc.
  • Reflect the organisation's vision and principles, strategy and major policies at all times.
  • Contribute specific skills, interests and contacts and support the organisation in fundraising activities.

2. Ensuring policies and practices are in keeping with aims.

  • Follow the Code of Conduct at all times, particularly when exercising the functions of the Trustees, or any of its committees, sub-committees or groups.
  • Attend meetings of the Executive Committee.
  • Reflect the Executive Committee policies and concerns on all its committees, sub-committees, and groups.

3. Ensuring best practice

  • Be an active member of the Executive Committee in exercising its responsibilities and functions.
  • Maintain good relations with the senior management team.
  • Take part in training sessions provided for the benefit of the trustees.
  • Fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Executive Committee.

Trustee person specification

  • Commitment to the organisation
  • Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
  • Strategic vision
  • Good, independent judgement
  • Ability to think creatively
  • Willingness to speak their mind
  • Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
  • Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
  • Leadership skills
  • Experience of committee work
  • Tact and diplomacy
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills

To find out what Trustees do, please click here.

Please return the completed application form (download here) and the Trustee Declaration (download here) to recruitment@brentmind.org.uk or post it to Human Resources, Brent Mind, Hampton House, 1b Dyne Road, Kilburn, London NW6 7XG.