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Is it possible to have a lifetime Charity Trustee/Trustee for life?

Jonathan Spencer CEO at Zetetick Housing Posted 3 years ago

Some years ago I worked for a Charity that had 2 lifetime trustees (they were founders) is this still possible, how does it happen.

I know the law changed to restrict Trustees to 9 years maximum in the main 6 years but an extra 3 year period was possible.

Is there anyone on the forum that knows about his area?

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David Head Staff PANEL

Charity Consultant at Change is the Only Constant (consultancy) 3 years ago

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The law permits this although it's not good practice, normally (as you say) there will be fixed terms. The Charity Commission tell us:

QUOTE

Length of service for trustees

Your charity’s governing document may include a set number of years trustees can serve for. A trustee who has reached the end of their set term can be re-appointed for another term, unless your governing document says otherwise.

If your governing document doesn’t specify a length of service, trustees continue in their role until they die, resign or are removed.

END QUOTE

I've experienced this on a few occasions - always founders. Charities can struggle with so called founder syndrome (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Founder%27s_syndrome) but on the other hand long service trustees can be dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate, so it is a balance and will depend more than anything else on the individual involved.

Generally speaking, any one individual shouldn't unduly dominate a board, but we know that is often easier stated than achieved!

HTH

David
https://www.citoc.co.uk/david

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Mufaro Mapanda Staff PANEL

CHAIR and FOUNDER at Hope for African Communities UK 3 years ago

David Head

I have the same problem with our founding trustees. The problem is they are just there to make up numbers. They are not skilled, experienced and they don't have time to do anything

They always give excuses

I really don't know what to do with them

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David Head Staff PANEL

Charity Consultant at Change is the Only Constant (consultancy) 3 years ago

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Mufaro Mapanda That is potentially a very difficult situation, being a trustee should be taken seriously and not having the skills, experience - or even the time - the charity needs from board members leads to poor governance and lack of oversight. Sometimes a board can be shaken out by a round of strategic planning - getting together as a group and reassessing your objectives and activities is a chance to ask quite directly "are you still on this journey and what can you contribute?". If you haven't had such a review recently it might be worth considering. Contact me if you think I can help with this.

David
www.citoc.co.uk/david

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Theresa Pass Staff PANEL

CEO at Visyon 3 years ago

I'm in favour of a President or Patron approach, rather than a lifetime Trustee/Board member. That way the dynamic changes but the history, passion and connection remains.

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Jonathan Spencer Staff PANEL

CEO at Zetetick Housing 3 years ago

Theresa Pass Please can you elaborate.

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Nick Avery Staff PANEL

Chair at Age Well East 3 years ago

Jonathan Spencer a founder trustee steps down from the board and becomes President or Patron. It is not a legally defined role, although if your constitution allows they could also be a member. As president they retain a figurehead status, continue to volunteer for the charity and may well have significant soft power, but the trustees remain the ones with the legal power and responsibilities.

I'm not convinced - a strong founder who has arranged a pliant trustee board will still effectively control things through this soft power. Some founders never get past the need to pass onto the next generation.

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