Duties of the UCARE Trustees

The duties of a trustee are:

to ensure that UCARE complies with its Trust Deed and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
to ensure that UCARE pursues its objectives as defined in its Trust Deed
to ensure UCARE applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, i.e. UCARE must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
to contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to UCARE, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
to safeguard the good name and values of UCARE
to represent the company at functions and meetings as appropriate
to declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee
to be collectively responsible for the actions of UCARE and other trustees
to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity
to abide by the equal opportunities policy
to ensure the financial stability of UCARE
to protect and manage the property of UCARE and to ensure the proper investment of UCARE's funds
to make sure UCARE is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities
to appoint and support the employees and monitor their performance
in addition to the above statutory duties of all trustees, each trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the board on new initiatives, or other issues relevant to the area of, UCARE's work in which the trustee has special expertise
to attend meetings, and to read papers in advance of meetings
to attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate
to participate in other tasks as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising
to keep informed about the activities of UCARE and wider issues which affect its work

Each trustee must have:

integrity
a commitment to UCARE and its objectives
an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee
strategic vision
good, independent judgment
an ability to think creatively
willingness to speak their mind
an ability to work effectively as a member of a team

The board of trustees will need skills and experience in the following areas:

setting targets, monitoring and evaluating performance and programmes in commercial and non-profit organizations
financial management
the type of work being done by UCARE
legal matters
fundraising
recruitment and personnel management, including a knowledge of employment legislation
public relations
marketing
computers and information technology
campaigning
education and learning

UCARE 14.07.2010