You are settling into your role as a Trustee, and have begun looking at the Governance of the organisation, looking at the Good Governance Guide, Nolan Principles and any Code of Conduct that the organisation may have in place. But what else is there?

There are a few other things that your Board of Trustees could be using to help in showing that they are adhering to the above:

Declarations of Interest 

Do you have an up to date Register of Interests? The particular matters that this should include are:

  • Employment
  • Other appointments (including any trading subsidiary)
  • Memberships
  • Investments
  • Gifts/hospitality
  • Beneficiary connection
  • Contracts/remuneration

Delegations 

Where you have put into place any agreements to delegate to individual Trustees, committees or staff, ensure that they are:

  • Clear
  • Recorded in writing
  • Complied with/enforced
  • Kept under review and updated
  • In accordance with job description/contract of employment

Internal Controls and Checks

 There are several areas within your organisation where there should be internal controls and checks in place;

  • Budgeting and monitoring
  • Financial limits and authorisations
  • Dealing with cash
  • Risk assessment
  • Fundraising
  • Audit committee
  • Gift Aid/HMRC

There are many other things that you need to consider as you look at your organisation. Does everyone have clear role descriptions? Is it clear what is the role of the Board and what is the role of the staff? Have the correct registrations been made with the Charity Commission, HMRC, Companies House? Is reporting up to date? Are the required policies in place?

In these three blogs I have sought to outline the areas that you need to think about and look at as you take up a role as a Trustee in a voluntary organisation. There will be other areas too – but I think I have covered the most important. If I can be of any further help in these areas, please do get in touch with me.

(This material is taken from a presentation given by Giselle Davies, partner of Geldards Solicitors at a recent seminar on Charity Governance and Risk)