Job Description

Purpose

The purpose of the Board of Trustees is to manage the strategic affairs of RCUK. Charity trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. Trustees may exercise all the powers of the organisation to carry out this duty.

Role

The Board of Trustees is responsible for:

• providing the strategic steer for the organisation
• approving the strategic plan
• overseeing and guaranteeing the financial affairs of the organisation
• supporting the CEO and senior leadership team to manage the day to day affairs of the organisation

• providing the strategic steer to the Executive Committee and Subcommittees in order that these groups can continue to develop their areas of expertise
• the continuing development of the Executive Committee and Subcommittees
• supporting the work of the Executive Committee and Subcommittees to meet the charity objects
• delegating responsibility to the Executive Committee and Subcommittees for updating and implementing guidelines and the publication of appropriate materials
• delegating responsibility to the Subcommittees to undertake such projects that meet the charity objects
• Identifying and promoting external relationships to help to further RCUK’s strategic aims

 Membership

There are four Trustees who are elected by Members. These Elected Trustees are the President, Vice President, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary.

There will be up to three Trustees who are appointed by the Elected Trustees. These trustees will be appointed for their particular expertise according to identified need.

Conflict of Interest

All Trustees will be required to declare any conflict of interest (COI) and comply with the RCUK COI Policy.

Frequency of meetings

Meetings will be held approximately four times a year and are presently held by video conferencing. Two of these meetings will include reports from the auditor and the investment portfolio managers. There is also usually a strategic planning away day held with trustees and the SLT. This meeting is usually held in person in our office in central London.

Quorum

The quorum for the formal Trustee meetings will comprise three Trustees with two being elected Trustees. No decision shall be taken at a Trustee meeting unless quorate at the time when the decision is taken. Decisions at a Trustee meeting will be decided by a majority of those eligible to vote. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chair shall have the casting vote.