Want to become a trustee?
Trustees’ Week is running from 4-8 November 2024 and aims to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK.
We know that many Fife Chamber members are involved in supporting community projects and charities. For some of you, this will include being a charity trustee, volunteering your time and expertise to benefit a third sector organisation that is close to your heart.
For those who aren’t currently a trustee but have perhaps been approached to become one, or are thinking about getting involved in charitable work at a strategic level, here is an outline of typical trustee obligations and responsibilities, and what to look for when considering becoming a trustee.
What is a trustee?
The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is the independent regulator and registrar for over 25,000 Scottish charities. Their website states that “Charity Trustees are the people in overall control and management of a charity. They may be called directors, management committee members or committee members, but the law considers them to be ‘charity trustees’. They are responsible for the charity’s governance and strategy, and for making sure that the charity is administered effectively. They must account for its activities and outcomes.”
What are the responsibilities of being a trustee?
Charity trustee duties are set out in The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. OSCR works with charity trustees to help them understand and comply with their duties under the 2005 Act.
The general duties expected of all trustees include –
- You must operate in a manner consistent with the charity’s purpose
- You must act with care and diligence
- You must manage any conflict of interest between the charity and any person or organisation who appoints charity trustees
There are also more specific duties, which in their most simple terms include –
- Details of the charity must be included on the Scottish Charity Register
- Changes to the charity must be reported to OSCR as these may be subject to consent
- The charity must maintain complaint financial records and report these as required
- All connected fundraising must meet with specified regulations
- The charity must provide clear information to the public about its aims and objectives
What these duties mean in real terms for each trustee will vary. They will be influenced by the specific role, size of the charity and the length of time it has been established. The OSCR website has a dedicated section on trustee duties that is worth a read too.
What makes for a good charity?
Before committing to a trustee role, it would be prudent to research the charity you want to become involved in to be reassured it is run in a responsible and lawful manner. A well-run charity will always prioritise protecting its beneficiaries, assets and reputation.
An overarching focus on good practice is a great place to start. The aims of the charity should be clear and set within a robust governing document. Transparency is also important, especially charities that depend on public funding.
On the OSCR website you can access a register of all Scottish charities. Here you can find details of the charity’s operations, income and expenditure and their submission history. Every year, Scottish charities must send OSCR their annual accounts, trustees’ annual report, external scrutiny report, and online annual return.
A benefit to all
Several Thomson Cooper partners are trustees of charities. The firm also acts for a large number of charities, providing accounts, audit and business support services. Being a trustee can be very rewarding and contributes to improving the lives and experiences of others.
If you would like to know more about our charity-related services, or to subscribe to our Charity Newsletter, please email charities@thomsoncooper.com.