A charity trustee is a person who serves on the governing body of a charity. The governing body or board of trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of a charity.

Trustees come from all walks of life and almost everyone has abilities, knowledge or experience that they can bring to a charity.

Being a trustee should be rewarding and enjoyable, and an opportunity to make a positive difference and serve the community while learning new skills. A strong personal commitment to the charity's aims is important. Most trustees are unpaid volunteers, but trustees are allowed to be reimbursed for reasonable expenses; there is no reason for trustees to be out-of-pocket.

Trustees have duties and responsibilities to their charity, its supporters and beneficiaries, and these are summarised below.

(1) Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up.

(2) Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator; in particular ensure that the charity prepares reports on what it has achieved and Annual Returns and accounts as required by law.

(3) Ensure that the charity does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document and that it remains true to the charitable purpose and objects set out there.

(4) Comply with the requirements of other legislation and other regulators (if any) which govern the activities of the charity.

(5) Act with integrity, and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets.

(6) Ensure that the charity is and will remain solvent.

(7) Use charitable funds and assets reasonably, and only in furtherance of the charity's objects.

(8) Avoid undertaking activities that might place the charity's endowment, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk.

(9) Take special care when investing the funds of the charity, or borrowing funds for the charity to use.

(10) Use reasonable care and skill in their work as trustees, using their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that the charity is well-run and efficient.

(11) Consider getting external professional advice on all matters where there may be material risk to the charity, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties. 

(12) Work with the Charity Commission as required for information and advice on both legal requirements and best practice to operate as effectively as possible and to prevent problems arising. Trustees may be personally liable for any debts or losses that the charity faces, and will depend on the circumstances and the type of governing document for the charity. However, personal liability of this kind is rare, and trustees who have followed the above requirements will generally be protected and adequately insured.

a) Ability to work flexibly and demonstrate excellent engagement and communication skills within SKLPC

b) Ability to build good relationships with affiliated SKLPC community organisations and external organisations

c) Ability to write reports, present effectively and public speaking

d) Ability to work on own initiative, and to plan and prioritise strategic work and projects

e) Ability to work as a member of a team and demonstrate good inter-personal and leadership skills

f) Good organisational, office management & people management skills

g) Excellent Customer liaison skills

The SKLPC(UK) Board of trustees consists of nine Trustees who are elected at the SKLPC Annual General Meeting by a simple majority and hold office for six consecutive years and thereafter shall be subject to re-election.

A paid life member shall be eligible for the post of Trustee if the member meets the following criteria

i) Is at least 30 years of age

ii) Is a permanent resident of the United Kingdom

iii) Is a person with a proven leadership capability in SKLPC(UK)

iv) Has never been an undischarged bankrupt convicted of a serious criminal offence, or of unsound 

mind.