Role of the Board of Trustees
The role of the Board is to ensure the assets received are applied for the charitable purposes, as declared in the Articles of Association, acting prudently, and in the best interests of our Charity. The Board works, collectively, as an effective team, using the appropriate balance of skills, experience, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions, to ensure our Charity is carrying out the purposes for which it is set up, and no other purpose. All of our Board members have a passion for the work of the Hospice and a commitment to our philosophy and core values.
Accountability
As the Board of Trustees is responsible and liable for the proper governance and functioning of the Hospice, each Trustee is accountable to its stakeholders.
Role Summary
Working in a voluntary capacity with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, Trustees are responsible for agreeing and setting the strategic aims, objectives and direction of our Charity and through good governance and monitoring ensure that the development and delivery of the services which the Hospice provides meet the Charitable objects as set out in the Articles of Association.
Responsibilities
To contribute to the development of strategies to achieve St Andrew’s Hospice aims and objectives and ensure that there is a clear system to delegate and ensure implementation of the ratified strategies to the Chief Executive and the staff team. To monitor performance of St Andrew’s against standards and ensure that it provides the highest quality of care balanced with the effective, efficient and economic use of St Andrew’s Hospice resources
To ensure that St Andrew’s Hospice and its representatives function within all appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks and ensure accountability of its members
To use any specific knowledge or experience to help sound decision making by providing advice and guidance in areas of particular expertise
To act in the best interest of St Andrew’s Hospice and its beneficiaries at all times, safeguarding the good name and reputation of the Hospice as a centre of excellence for specialist palliative care
To ensure sound financial management of St Andrew’s Hospice resources and appropriate investment of funds in pursuance of the Charity’s objects
To maintain absolute confidentiality about all information received in the course of their duty as a Trustee of St Andrew’s Hospice
To declare any conflicts of interest and recuse yourself from voting on any -matters where there is a conflict of interest or where a conflict of interest may arise
To support the Chair in appointing and overseeing the performance of the Chief Executive and senior management team
Recognise the ambassadorial role of a trustee and positively promote the Hospice whenever possible
To attend at least two thirds of meetings as required by the Chair of the Board of Trustees
Commitment
Display commitment in keeping up to date with changes in the internal and relevant external environment
Manage time to ensure attendance at all or the majority of meetings
Commit adequate time to prepare for meetings
Actively contribute to the success of meetings
Be willing to challenge constructively what is presented at board meetings
Stimulate robust, high level thinking to develop ideas and strategies
Accept the need to hold the organisation ‘line’, even where there is personal disagreement
Contribute positively to the development and maintenance of a high performing team
Build positive relationships with other trustees, staff and volunteers (recognising relevant
boundaries)
Contribute to the development of the Board and perhaps take a lead on an area of special
interest
Be open to regular review of Board effectiveness
Contribute pro-actively to building a multi-talented Board with diverse skills across a broad range
Seek and respond positively to formal feedback on their performance as a trustee, and be willing to offer constructive feedback
Regard being a trustee as a learning opportunity to develop new knowledge and skills Take responsibility as a trustee for all aspects of the work of the Hospice and its performance, including those outside their own area of expertise
Remuneration
The role of the trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration although expenses for travel may be claimed
Collective Responsibility
All trustees collectively have the ultimate responsibility in running a voluntary organisation, for its property, financial policies and procedures, staff and volunteers. As responsibility is collective, if there are any legal or financial repercussions from decisions made by the trustees, then all members of that group are legally liable in equal proportion. If a trustee is absent from a meeting, they are still responsible for decisions made when they were not present. Their absence does not absolve them from responsibility or liability.
PLEASE SEND APPLICATIONS TO: Julie.wilson@standrews.scot.nhs.uk