Role Description for Dorothy House Trustee with a Spiritual Background..

The general duties of all Trustees are (from “The Good Trustee Guide”, NCVO publication):-

  1. To ensure that the charity complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  2. To ensure that the charity pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association.
  3. To ensure the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. 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.
  4. To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
  5. To safeguard the good name and values of the charity.
  6. To respect the confidential nature of the work of the Trustees and all confidential matters in relation to patients, families, staff, volunteers and donors.
  7. To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity.
  8. To ensure the financial stability of the charity.
  9. To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
  10. To appoint the Chief Executive and monitor his or her performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on new initiatives, or other issues relevant to the area of the charity’s work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

The specific responsibilities of a Trustee with a spiritual background.

  • To contribute to or advise on, as appropriate, any specific spiritual projects/issues.
  • To be a minister of the Christian religion on the Board of Trustees. ( as required by the Articles of Association of Dorothy House Hospice Care)
  • To liaise with and support the Chaplain/Spiritual Care Co-ordinator.
  • To provide strategy and policy advice to the Board on spiritual issues.
  • To monitor the implementation of the Five Year Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan, particularly in relation to the development of the spiritual work of Dorothy House and any other opportunities.
  • To take a specific interest in the work of the Chaplain and the spiritual welfare of the Patients, Carers, Staff and Volunteers of Dorothy House.

Person Specification for Dorothy House Trustee with

Professional Spiritual experience

General

(adapted from “The Good Trustee Guide”, NCVO publication)

Any Trustee must live and/or work in the Dorothy House geographical area and have:-

  • A commitment to palliative care.
  • A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
  • Integrity.
  • Strategic vision.
  • Good, independent judgment.
  • An ability to think creatively.
  • A willingness to speak their mind.
  • An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
  • An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
  • A commitment to extending their knowledge and understanding of the work carried out by the Dorothy House Foundation.

Specific

  • To have an appropriate qualification specific to their area of expertise.
  • To be a minister of the Christian religion.
  • To have a commitment to and experience of multi-faith work and engagement.

February 2017