Trustee

ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR A TRUSTEE

Trustee Role

The role of a Trustee is to make sure that Headway Essex achieves its core purpose.  They
oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.  They also ensure that
Headway Essex has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Board member have a collective responsibility.  This means that trustees always act as a
group and not as individuals.

General Responsibilities of a Trustee

  Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects, as defined in its governing

document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.

  Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. its

memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other
relevant legislation or regulations.

  Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its
charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not
included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are)
for the benefit of the public.

  Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against

agreed targets.

  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.

  Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including

having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

  Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper

investment of the charity’s funds.

  Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision,

support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive/Senior Manager(s).

  Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

  Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

  Be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees.

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  Ensure the financial stability of the organisation and the proper investment of the

organisation's funds.

  Attend meetings and read papers in advance of meetings.

  Attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate.

  Contribute to the broader promotion of Headway’s objects, aims and reputation by

applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

  Keep informed about the activities of the organisation and wider issues, which affect

its work.

  Adhere to Headway Governance standards and rules of affiliation.

In addition to the duties of all trustees, each trustee should use any specific skills,
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 organisation's work in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person specification

  Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

  Willingness to devote time and effort to their duties as a Trustee.

  Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities

as a trustee and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

  Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement

and work effectively as a board member.

  Good effective communication and interpersonal skills and willingness to participate

actively in discussion and listen to the views of others.

  A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.



Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

  Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

  A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,

objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of office

Members of the Board of Trustees are elected from the membership of the charity and are
subject to re-election following a term of office not exceeding three years.

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Time commitment

  Attending Board meetings, currently meetings are held in the evening, remotely and
or in person at either our Colchester Day Centre or Benfleet Day Centre.  Average
two hours per meeting, at least four times at year.

  Attending the annual strategy-planning day.  One day per annum.

  Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the

executive team.



In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone –
will be necessary

Sub-Committee

The following Board sub-committee is in place and have their own additional time
commitments:-

  The Executive Committee meet bi-weekly, either in person or remotely, in working

hours (average one hour).  The Chair and Treasurer are members of this committee.

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