The Board is the governing body of the Charity and is ultimately responsible for everything the Charity does.

The main roles of Board Members are to:

• determine the Charity’s mission and purpose
• guard the Charity’s ethos and values
• develop and agree the charity’s long-term (or strategic) plan
• develop and agree the Charity’s policies
• ensure that all the Charity’s activities are within the law
• ensure that all the charity’s activities come within its Charitable objects
• ensure accountability as required by law (the Charity Commission, Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise) and to others such as donors, beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and the general public
• ensure accountability to the Registrar of Companies, as required by law
• ensure the Charity has adequate resources
• ensure the charity’s property, assets and other resources are protected and managed effectively
• agree the budget and monitor financial performance
• monitor the Charity’s programme and services
• review annually the performance of the Board
• establish procedures for recruitment, support, appraisal, remuneration of staff, and for dealing with disciplinary matters

In order to carry out its role the board must:

• meet as often as is necessary for the proper administration of the Charity
• seek professional and other expert advice where necessary