What is a trustee?

Charity trustees are the people responsible under the Charities governing document for controlling the strategic direction of the Charity and ensuring the effective management and administration of the Charities activities. Since the Charity is a company limited by guarantee trustees are also its directors.

Rules of trusteeship

• Each trustee is an approved member of the Charity
• Trustee are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting
• One third of trustees, those longest in office, stand down at each Annual General Meeting (the retiring members shall be those who have been longest in office since the last election)
• A retiring trustee may seek re-election
• Trustees may, from time to time, co-opt additional individuals (up to 6) to the Board if a need is identified for a particular expertise or area of knowledge
• Trustees receive no remuneration

Roles and responsibilities

Each trustee has a responsibility to:

• Act together collectively, and not delegate control of the Charity to others
• Ensure that the Charity uses its funds exclusively in support of its objects
• Safeguard the good name and values of the Charity
• Manage the Charities affairs prudently and take a long term as well as a short term view
• Ensure the proper investment of the Charities portfolio
• Not derive any personal benefit or gain from the Charity

How to become a trustee of CPC Kent

Please contact us to check whether the Charity is recruiting trustees. The Board may be looking to fill gaps in the skills and competencies of currently serving trustees.

 Applicants for trusteeship will be asked to:

• Complete a trustee application form
• Provide references
• Complete a CRB Disclosure Check
• Attend an informal interview with currently serving trustees
• Attend Board meetings initially as an ‘observer’ (without voting rights)
• Sign a declaration if elected