Relate London South West

4th Floor

Neville House

55 Eden Street

Kingston Upon Thames

KT1 1BW

Tel. 020 8549 3318

TRUSTEE ROLE DESCRIPTION

WHAT TRUSTEES CAN EXPECT FROM RELATE LONDON SOUTH WEST

  • An opportunity to be part of an organisation which aims to strengthen our society by championing the importance of good relationships to wellbeing and happiness
  • A chance to be involved at an exciting time in the Charity’s development and to contribute to discussions and decision-making about a sustainable future
  • The opportunity to develop new and/or exercise specialist skills, to support the Board and the management team
  • An informal induction geared to your needs with development as agreed
  • An annual calendar of meetings and other commitments that will enable you to plan your diary (see below).[1]
  • Annual appraisal on your experience and performance as a Trustee

WHAT THE ROLE ENTAILS

(For those with general Trustee responsibilities ie: not holding a specific title such as Chair, Treasurer etc. As the Centre is an Incorporated Company limited by guarantee, all Trustees will also be expected to act as Company Directors).

1. The overall role of the Trustee is:

  • To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving clear strategic direction and leadership to the Charity, setting overall policy, agreeing aims, objectives and development targets and evaluating performance.

2. Trustee Responsibilities

  • To ensure that the Charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • To hold the chief executive to account and ensure that the Charity pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
  • To ensure the Charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
  • To safeguard the good name and values of the Charity.
  • To ensure the effective and efficient running of the Charity.
  • To ensure the financial stability of the Charity.
  • To sit on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees keep informed and reach sound decisions, including:

  • To be well-informed about the purpose and activities of Relate and wider contextual issues which affect its work and future direction
  • To act as an advocate for Relate’s work and represent Relate London SW externally as appropriate
  • To lead discussions internally, if required
  • To support and contribute to fundraising activities
  • To offer specialist expertise and guidance, as appropriate

The specific areas of knowledge and skill required by the Board will vary over time and will be identified through review and in recruitment publicity.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • Commit to the purpose and objectives of Relate London South West and its policies regarding equality and diversity.
  • Be willing and able to devote the necessary time and effort to the role
  • Think and behave strategically in the interests of the organisation
  • Demonstrate independent judgment.
  • Be able to take a high-level overview of the organisation’sfinances
  • Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
  • To work as a member of a team - each trustee will bring extensive, but different experience and ways of thinking
  • Commitment to the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ [2]- selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

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2. All Trustees arerequired to:

  • Sign ourDeclaration of Eligibility and Trustee Agreement.
  • Undergo a Basic Check by Disclosure Scotland
  • Declare any financial and other interests which could create conflict.
  • Meet the formal expectations of a Trustee within the Charities Act and a Director within the Companies Act.[3]

Relate London South West is the trading name
of Relate Richmond Kingston & Hounslow

A Company Limited by Guarantee

Registered in England 3956184

Registered Charity no.1080563

Trustee role (General) /AR/08.14

[1]The Board meets six times a year, currently on a Tuesday evening from 6pm – 8 pm. In addition there is an annual away day for the Board (usually a Saturday) and occasional centre meetings (involving counsellors, management and administration staff) where trustee involvement is welcome. Trustees may also get involved in task groups and projects where their expertise is particularly valuable.

[2]Ref: Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life - 1995

[3] For further information, see the Reach website at: