Every board must meet certain standards of conduct and pay attention to his or her responsibilities to the organisation. Their roles include:

- creating a clear, shared vision
- taking the big decisions about the future
- formulating plans and policies to bring about the organisation's objectives
- ensuring everything is legal and safe
- ensuring the work of the charity is carried out
- supporting the senior member of staff (if there is one)
- ensuring the Trustee Board is up-to-date and skilled
- ensuring the organisation is solvent and operates within budget.

In fulfilling their governance role, Trustees are obliged in law to act in the best interests of the charity's beneficiaries, to act together as a group rather than as individuals, to set aside their personal interests, to take legal responsibility for the organisation and to exercise the duty of care that a prudent business person would exercise in looking after the affairs of the organisation.

SAVO are also involved in a pilot scheme with the Governance and Workforce Hubs to provide accredited Trustee Training at Level 2 and 3, using the Trustee Standards. Find out more here: Trustee Accredited Learning - Pilot Programme.

If you have particular issues around Governance we can also offer one-to-one sessions with a member of the team and your staff and / or Trustee Board. We also run face-to-face courses, that staff, volunteers and trustees can access as part of our main training package.

Trustee Indemnity Insurance

Many people are worried about becoming trustees as they feel thy might have to be financially liable if something happens to the organisation. Trustees can take out indemnity insurance. They should, however, take advice on this first as there is a range of opinions on how useful this type of insurance is. Over the past few years the Charity Commission has brought increased clarity to this area. Find out more at www.charitycommission.gov.uk.