What does a trustee do?

What does a trustee do?

To be successful as a Bristol Law Centre Trustee, you will be enthused by the opportunity to use your skills and experience to further develop and broaden our reach. You will be able to contribute to and help shape strategic conversations and have a strong belief in the importance of the Law Centre’s work and the role it plays within the city. The Board of Trustees are collectively responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Bristol Law Centre. The board oversee the financial affairs of the charity, supports the CEO and senior management team and ensures that the aims, objectives and goals are in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and legal and regulatory guidelines.

It is important that, as a trustee, you are aware of, and understand, your individual and collective responsibilities. The main responsibilities of being trustee are

• To support BLC to achieve its charitable objectives and ensure any action is in the best interest of the organisation and its beneficiaries
• To determine the overall direction and development of BLC through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To ensure that BLC, and its representatives, function within all legal and regulatory requirements applicable
• To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to BLC, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.
• To avoid any personal conflict of interest.
• To manage and use BLC’s resources so as to optimise its potential.
• To ensure robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of BLC’s funds and assets
• To maintain confidentiality on all aspects of BLC business.

Anyone volunteering their time as a Trustee of BLC are asked to

• Show commitment to the organisation
• Have the willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to board activities. We hold 6 board meetings per year and trustees are also asked to sit on one sub-committee of their choice. The time commitment is 4 hours every 2 months for meetings plus around 2hrs of preparatory work (reading papers in advance).
• Have a willingness to speak their mind so ideas are appropriately questioned and challenged to ensure robust decision making.
• Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Be willing to work effectively as a member of a team

Work as a trustee is voluntary. However, BLC is able to reimburse expenses incurred in carrying out this role.