The role of the Charity Trustee

Trustees are the volunteers who oversee charities in Ireland. They are responsible for everything the charity does, including vision, strategy, legal compliance, finances, and public trust.

Who is a Charity Trustee?

Different organisations might use terms like board member, director, or committee member. For charities, these terms mean the same thing: those who hold ultimate responsibility for the charity’s management.

Why Trustees Matter

  • Stewardship: They keep the charity aligned with its long-term mission.
  • Oversight: They support and guide staff and volunteers.
  • Compliance: They ensure legal obligations are met and finances are managed well.
  • Trust & Transparency: They promote openness to build stakeholder confidence and public trust.

Legal Responsibilities of a Charity Trustee

Under the Charities Act 2009, trustees must follow key legal duties set by the Charities Regulator. For a full overview, download the ‘Guidance for Charity Trustees.’

  1. Charity Registration: Keep your registration with the Charities Regulator current and accurate.
  2. Financial Records: Maintain reliable, up-to-date financial records.
  3. Annual Report: File your report on time to share transparent updates with the Regulator.
  4. Report Misconduct: Notify the Regulator if you suspect theft or fraud.
  5. Compliance with Directions: Follow any formal guidance or orders from the Regulator.

What This Means for Your Charity

  • Trustees must uphold all legal responsibilities, both collectively and individually.
  • These responsibilities cannot be delegated. While tasks can be assigned, ultimate accountability lies with trustees.
  • Your Annual Return, Trustee report, and financial statements must clearly show compliance.
  • Documents like the Board Handbook and conflict-of-interest policies will help with compliance.

6 core principles for trustees to apply

Advancing Charitable Purpose

  • Clearly define your charity’s mission.
  • Set realistic plans and secure funding.
  • Monitor progress and ensure public benefit..

Behaving with Integrity

  • Agree on core values and embed them in your charity.
  • Manage conflicts of interest with a formal policy.
  • Follow a trustee code of conduct.

Leading People

  • Clarify roles for trustees, staff, volunteers, and contractors.
  • Ensure proper policies are in place, like recruitment and safeguarding.
  • Provide leadership across the organisation

 

Exercising Control

  • Verify your legal structure and constitution are suitable.
  • Comply with legal, regulatory, and financial obligations.
  • Follow guidelines for fundraising and risk management.

Working Effectively

  • Recruit trustees with the right skills and offer training.
  • Organise board meetings well: send notices, share materials, and appoint minute-takers.
  • Review board performance regularly and address issues promptly.

Being Accountable & Transparent

  • Engage openly with stakeholders and communicate clearly.
  • Invite and respond to feedback.
  • Share outcomes and the reasoning behind decisions.

Further Resources

The Wheel’s Organisational Policies

Our policies are here to give you a starting point. They will need to be adapted to suit your own organisation and, if necessary, you should seek advice to make sure they meet all your legal and regulatory requirements and are consistent with your governing document.

The Charity Trustee Drivers Licence.

The Charity Trustee Driver’s Licence is a short, interactive online course for new and current charity trustees. It helps them understand their legal duties, governance responsibilities, and best practices under Irish charity law.

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