Trustee Code of Conduct

Introduction

Purpose

The Trustee Code of Conduct outlines the expected standard of behaviour from Trustees in performance of their role. 

U3A-KMS-DOC-012 Guiding principles 

U3A-KMS-DOC-031 Trustee responsibilities 

U3A-KMS-DOC-052 Trustee induction

Trustee Code of Conduct

• West Pennine Villages u3a (WPV u3a) trustees must work together as a team and are collectively responsible for controlling the management and administration of the u3a. 
• The Trustee Code of Conduct is a document between WPV u3a and individual committee members which clarifies the standard of behaviour expected in the performance of their role.
• WPV u3a trustees should make themselves aware of guidance from their charity regulatory authority. This is recommended whether or not the u3a is a registered charity.
• Trustees must comply with charity law (as required by the relevant regulatory authority).
• Trustees are expected to know, follow, and promote the principles of the u3a movement.
• Trustees must always act in the best interests of WPV u3a and the u3a movement, strive to uphold its reputation and never do anything which could bring WPV u3a or the u3a movement into disrepute or expose it to undue risk.
• Trustees must use WPV u3a’s resources responsibly and only to further its stated charitable purpose.
• Trustees are expected to reflect the current organisational policy of WPV u3a, regardless of whether it conflicts with their personal views. 
• Trustees are expected to abide by WPV u3a’s governance procedures and practices. 
• Trustees must never derive any pecuniary benefit (including benefits in kind) from being a Trustee and must notify the Chair of any gifts received. 
• Trustees should inform the Chair before accepting an invitation to speak on behalf of WPV u3a. 
• Trustees are expected to treat fellow committee members courteously at all times and maintain a respectful attitude towards the opinions of others. 
• Organisational, committee and individual confidentiality must be respected at all times. 
• All WPV u3a committee members must satisfy the relevant regulatory body’s requirements for being trustees.

Requirements of a Trustee 

• WPV u3a trustees must read the Charity Commission leaflet CC3 entitled ‘The Essential Trustee – What you need to know, What you need to do’, which can be downloaded from the Charity Commission website
• Trustees must comply with charity law and the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator.
• Trustees are expected to know, follow, and promote the principles of the u3a Movement (refer to U3A-KMS-DOC-012) at every opportunity. 
• Trustees must always act in the best interests of WPV u3a and the u3a movement, strive to uphold its reputation and never do anything which could bring WPV u3a or the u3a movement into disrepute or expose it to undue risk. 
• Trustees are expected to use WPV u3a’s resources responsibly and only to further its stated charitable objects/purposes. 
• Trustees are expected to reflect the current organisational policy of WPV u3a, regardless of whether it conflicts with their personal views. 
• Trustees are expected to abide by WPV u3a governance procedures and practices. 
• Trustees must never derive any pecuniary benefit from being a Trustee and must notify the Chair of any gifts received.
• Trustees should inform the Chair before accepting an invitation to speak on behalf of WPV u3a. 
• Trustees are expected to treat fellow committee members courteously at all times and maintain a respectful attitude towards the opinions of others. 
• Organisational, committee and individual confidentiality must be respected at all times. 

Committee Meetings – specific requirements 

Refer to U3A-KMS-DOC-031