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DRAW Trustees - Fact Sheet
This fact sheet is to help you understand what a trustee is and does, and what you would need to do if you wanted to become a DRAW trustee.
What is a trustee?
The charity trustees are the people responsible, under the charity's governing document, for controlling the management and administration of the charity.
Who can be a trustee?
Almost anyone can be a trustee if they are over 18 years old, and free from criminal convictions. There are several other conditions including that you cannot be a trustee if you are party in an undischarged bankruptcy or have been removed from trusteeship in the past.
Who appoints trustees?
DRAW trustees are nominated by the standing Board of Trustees, the general membership, or themselves and elected by a vote of the general membership.
What skills are needed to be a trustee?
DRAW trustees need to be prepared to take an active part in the running of the charity and therefore need to be able - and willing - to give time to the efficient administration of the charity and the fulfilment of its trusts.
The kinds of skills which are needed in the DRAW Board of Trustees include: legal, finance, management, administration, marketing, and public relations.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no particular qualifications or experience needed to be a DRAW trustee. However there are a number of personal qualities you should have:
- A commitment to DRAW and a passion for its work
- A willingness and the ability to devote the necessary time and effort
- Honesty and integrity
- The ability and judgement to make decisions
- The vision to take a long term view and plan for the future of DRAW
- A willingness to contribute but also to listen to the views of others
- An ability to work as part of a team
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a trustee
- A willingness to be involved in work beyond trustee meetings, eg. committee or working groups
What sort of time commitment does it take to be a DRAW trustee?
- Attend three face to face board meetings
- Actively participate on two committees
- Actively participate in the decision process
- Represent the organization in matters related to the execution of the trust
What are a DRAW trustee’s responsibilities?
Trustees are required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to DRAW, and need always to bear in mind that their prime concern is the interests of the charity. They cannot let their personal views or prejudices affect their conduct as trustees. They need to exercise an appropriate degree of care in dealing with the administration of the charity.
Trustees are also responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives and direction of the charity. The identification of risks arising from activities undertaken and the management of identified risks are important elements in helping to ensure the strategic aims and objectives of the charity are achieved.
Trustees are responsible for ensuring that any fundraising activity carried out by or on behalf of their charity is properly undertaken, and that all funds collected are properly accounted for.
What is my liability if I am a trustee?
If trustees act prudently, lawfully and in accordance with their governing document then any liabilities they incur as trustees can be met out of the charity's resources. But if they act otherwise they may be in breach of trust and personally responsible for liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the charity, or for making good any loss to the charity. Since trustees are acting collectively in administering a charity, they will usually be responsible collectively (the legal term is "jointly and severally") to meet any liability to a third party which has been incurred by them or on their behalf.
How long do I have to be a trustee for?
DRAW is looking for committed people to be involved and accept the role of Trustee. DRAW Trustees are elected to serve a two year term. Trustees can be elected to serve unlimited consecutive terms.
Will I get paid?
No, the DRAW trustee positions are voluntary and the trustees should not be benefiting from the organization that they are running. However, DRAW trustees are compensated for travel to required Board meetings at the rate of $500 per year.
I am interested in becoming a DRAW Trustee, what do I do now?
Obtain a Board of Trustees application from the July or August DRAWing Attention Newsletter, or you can download it from the link on this page. Send the completed application to the address indicated by the due date.
DRAW
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