Relate Mid Surrey

Centre Trustee Job Description

The duties of a Relate Centre trustee are:

·  To be familiar with and act in accordance with the guidance given from time to time by the Charity Commission relevant to the role of trustee, in particular at the time of writing ‘CC3 – The Essential Trustee: what you need to know’.

·  To ensure that the Centre complies with its governing document (Memorandum & Articles or Constitution), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·  To ensure that the Centre pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

·  To ensure the Centre 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 Centre, setting overall policy, defining goals, agreeing business plans and setting targets and monitoring and evaluating performance against those plans and targets.

·  To safeguard the good name and values of Relate.

·  To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Centre

·  To ensure the financial stability of the Centre

·  To protect and manage the property of the Centre and to ensure the proper investment of the Centre's funds

·  To appoint the CEO and monitor his/her performance and pay

In addition, a Relate Centre Trustee has a responsibility to ensure that the Centre meets the requirements of the Relate Federation Agreement, including compliance with Relate Federation policies, quality standards and service specifications

Each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:

·  Scrutinising board papers

·  Leading discussions

·  Focusing on key issues

·  Providing guidance on new initiatives

·  Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

·  Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

Centre Trustee Person Specification

·  Commitment to Relate

·  Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

·  Integrity

·  Strategic vision

·  Good, independent judgment

·  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.

All Relate Centre trustees are required to:

·  work in accordance with a written Code of Conduct based on the Nolan principles

·  sign a declaration of eligibility

·  declare any financial and other interests on an annual basis