Lambourn Almshouses: Trustee Appointment Policy
1. Introduction
The Board of Trustees of Lambourn Almshouses shall consist of:
- Two ex officio trustees: The Warden of New College Oxford and the Vicar of the Benefice of the Lambourn Valley.
- Eight co-opted trustees: Appointed in accordance with this policy and the charity’s governing document.
If either ex officio trustee is unwilling or unable to act in this capacity, they may give notice of their intention not to act or resign under the provisions outlined in Clause 13 of the charity scheme. In such cases, the ex officio trustee position will remain vacant until a new officeholder is appointed.
2. Appointment of Co-opted Trustees
The appointment of co-opted trustees will be made by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting, called under Clause 17 of the charity scheme. At this meeting:
- Potential new trustees and existing trustees whose term has expired will be considered for co-option.
- Appointments may be made before the expiry of an existing trustee’s term, but not more than three months in advance. The appointment will take effect at the end of the current trustee’s term.
- Trustees due for re-appointment may not vote on their own re-appointment.
Each co-opted trustee will serve a four-year term. New trustees will receive:
- A copy of the governing document (the Scheme)
- Current policies of the charity
- The latest annual report and statement of accounts.
A register of trustees will be maintained, recording the names, addresses, and terms of office for each trustee. Every trustee must sign the register before acting in their role, whether newly appointed or re-appointed.
3. Eligibility to Act as a Trustee
Potential trustees must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Confirm that they are not subject to any disqualification under the Charities Act. This includes completing a declaration confirming their eligibility.
Grounds for disqualification include:
- Unspent convictions involving dishonesty, deception, terrorism, or money laundering.
- Being declared bankrupt or subject to bankruptcy restrictions.
- Disqualification from being a company director.
- Previous removal as a trustee by the Charity Commission or High Court due to misconduct.
- Disqualification under section 181A of the Charities Act 2011.
- Inclusion on the sex offender’s register.
4. General Duties of Trustees
Trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity, as defined by Section 177 of the Charities Act 2011. The legal framework and responsibilities include overseeing finances, administration, and ensuring the charity meets its objectives.
The Charity Commission recommends that trustees focus on the following:
- Strong governance: A diverse and skilled governing body that acts in the best interests of the charity.
- Clear vision and values: Ensuring the charity’s mission is understood, and its purposes are effectively met.
- Effective policies: Implementing robust policies to manage the charity’s operations.
- Asset and resource management: Ensuring optimal use of the charity’s resources, including buildings, finances, and personnel.
- Risk management: Identifying and mitigating risks to safeguard the charity’s future.
- Decision-making and accountability: Ensuring transparency in decision-making and accountability to beneficiaries, donors, and the wider community.
5. Notes for Appointing a New Trustee
When appointing a new trustee, the following considerations are essential:
- The individual must actively engage with the Almshouses’ mission and the needs of its residents.
- Trustees should understand and appreciate the historic significance of the charity.
- Trustees must be able to work cooperatively with other trustees and the Clerk.
- They must demonstrate a commitment to the principles of almshouses and the needs of the local community.
- Trustees should be prepared to dedicate adequate time to their role and responsibilities.
6. Desired Skills for Trustees
In addition to their general duties, it is desirable that trustees bring specific skills or experience to benefit the charity. These include:
- Management of Almshouses or similar organisations.
- Engagement with residents and an understanding of their needs.
- Land management and oversight of built assets.
- Financial management and fundraising expertise.
- Oversight of projects, such as building developments and other capital works.
9. Approval
This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees of The Lambourn Almshouses:
Signature:
Name: Christian Noll
Position: Chair of Trustees
Date: 1 November 2024