Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees

This charity trustee training course is designed for trustees and anyone responsible for the governance, management, and administration of a charity, including registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs).

Whether you are a new or existing trustee, this course provides a practical understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and legal duties of charity trustees, helping you fulfil your obligations and support effective charity governance.

Course Description

Charity trustees play a vital role in ensuring their organisation is well managed, legally compliant, and focused on achieving its charitable purposes. Trustees may be known by a variety of titles, including trustees, directors, governors, board members, or management committee members, but all share responsibility for the charity’s governance and strategic direction.

This course explains the key principles of charity governance, trustee responsibilities, legal requirements, and best practice, giving participants the confidence to carry out their role effectively.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of charity trustees
• Gain an overview of charitable status and what it means in practice
• Understand the legal duties and obligations of trustees
• Recognise and manage conflicts of interest
• Understand the importance of collective decision-making and accountability
• Apply good governance principles and effective working practices
• Access reliable sources of guidance, support, and advice for trustees

Please note that this course is intended for charities and CIOs and is not suitable for Community Interest Companies (CICs), as CICs are not charitable organisations and operate under different legal and governance frameworks.

This course is also available online as an evening session.