For organisations
Information for Trustees
VCEL provides training and guidance for trustees in all aspects of governance. We’ll make things more understandable and accessible so you can fulfil your roles effectively.
What is a trustee?
Trustees play a vital role, volunteering their time and expertise, and working together to make important decisions for their charity. Ultimately, trustees are appointed to help ensure the long term success and continued operations of their organisation through effective governance.
Governance describes all the legal and regulatory duties of the trustees, so understanding what these are is naturally important to everyone involved.
Events for trustees
Our Trustee events cover a range of topics such as:
Making sure your charity’s carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
Complying with your charity’s governing document and the law
Acting in your charity’s best interests
Managing your charity’s resources responsibly
Making sure your charity is accountable
Trustee FAQs
Looking for more help or have specific questions about being a trustee?
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Have you read and understood the charity’s governing document and have you seen the plan of what your charity will do?
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You can become a trustee from the age of 16, although unincorporated charitable organisations may require individuals to be 18. Ideally, your skills, knowledge and experience should match the post. You cannot be a trustee if you have been disqualified from a previous trusteeship unless the charity commission has waived this disqualification.
The governing document of each charity can impose other restrictions, for example, certain locality or religious denomination, but these restrictions must comply with the Equality Act 2010. You must be a fit and proper person, which is presumed unless HMRC holds information which proves the contrary, and you should undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
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As trustee, you will always have to act in the charity’s best interest and make clear any conflicts of interest you may have. You must also:
• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly and implement financial controls if needed
• Act with reasonable care and skill by getting appropriate guidance and advice
• Attend trustee meetings
• Comply with governing documents and the law
• Ensure that the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit as set out in its governing document
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If you’ve not been a Trustee before, what transferable skills do you have, noting the kinds of duties you will be partaking in as above.
Are you ready to be part of an impactful event dedicated to mental health awareness and support?