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Role descriptions for trustees

Sample role descriptions for a range of trustee roles

Role description for a chief executive

The management of a charity is delegated to the chief executive. This is a sample role description for a chief executive.

Sub-committee terms of reference

All sub-committees need terms of reference that clearly indicate what's expected of them and who they're accountable to.

CEO report template

It is good practice that the CEO reports to the board on a regular basis, we would recommend this report is written so that trustees have time to digest it and formulate questions.

Sample schemes of delegation

Three samples formats of schemes of delegation for boards. A one stop document for all your delegated duties and ways to monitor them

Tools and guidance

Tools and good-practice guidance to help you review, run and improve your board, compiled by NCVO's governance experts

  • Governance

Charity governance code

This guide explores how to implement a good appraisal process that supports and motivates your CEO to do even better.

Charity governance code guide for micro charities

A guide to applying the principles of the Charity Governance Code, specially adapted for the smallest organisations.

Governance wheel

The governance wheel is a simple tool that helps boards of voluntary organisations quickly get a sense of how well they’re functioning and fulfilling their roles.

Strategic planning

Information and tools on strategic planning.

Time to flex: Embracing flexible working

  • Employing and managing staff
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Road Ahead 2022

  • Coronavirus
  • Responding to crises
  • Government and politics

UK Civil Society Almanac 2021

  • Government and politics
  • Involving volunteers

Levelling up: The role of charities and volunteering

  • Government and politics
  • Involving volunteers

Charities Bill: Lords Second Reading

  • Government and politics

Where power lies: How lived experience is engaged in voluntary sector governance and decision-making

  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Governance

Rebalancing the Relationship: Final report

  • Employing and managing staff
  • Collaboration

Rebalancing the relationship: emerging findings and draft recommendations

  • Employing and managing staff
  • Collaboration

The Road Ahead 2021

  • Funding and income
  • Coronavirus
  • Responding to crises

Time Well Spent: Diversity and volunteering

  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Involving volunteers

Protection for whistleblowers

Legal protections for people who raise concerns

  • Safeguarding

Protection under PIDA

How the Public Interest Disclosure Act protects any whistleblowing worker

  • Safeguarding

Key duties of organisations

What organisations are expected or obliged to do when concerns are raised

  • Safeguarding

Non-recent and historic abuse

Find out about 'limitation periods' regarding certain types of claim

  • Safeguarding

Getting started with DBS checks

Information about DBS checks and tools to help you understand the law as it applies to the roles in your organisation

  • Safeguarding

Overview

Information about getting DBS checks for staff and volunteers

  • Safeguarding

Plan for specific roles

How to identify potential risks when creating a new staff or volunteering role

  • Safeguarding

Asking about someone's criminal history

How and when to ask about a staff member or volunteer's criminal history

  • Safeguarding

Types of DBS check

A comprehensive guide to different types of DBS checks

  • Safeguarding

Deciding which checks to carry out

Different roles will require different checks. This page explores what checks you might need to run

  • Safeguarding

Registering a charity in England and Wales

Learn the steps to take to set up and register a charity with the Charity Commission in this free webinar.

Mentoring and coaching skills (0.5 days)

This course provides an introduction to the key differences between mentoring and coaching. You’ll learn how to use both skills effectively to develop and support staff, volunteers and clients

Theory of change for strategic planning and evaluation (1 day)

Learn how to create your own theory of change and narrative. This course will challenge you to think critically about what you're doing and why

Supporting good governance (4 x 0.5 days)

This course will help you implement structures and processes to support trustees, and ensure systems are aligned with your organisation’s purpose and objectives

Building a sustainable and resilient fundraising strategy (1 day)

Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical application, you'll learn how to build a fundraising function that is not only effective today but sustainable and resilient for years to come.

Trustees Week 2025: Board behaviours workshop

Explore refreshed Charity Governance Code guidance and reflect on how trustee behaviours shape decision-making, board culture and effectiveness.

Introduction to EDI in charities (2 x 0.5 days)

This course introduces the key principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and how to apply them to your organisation

Charity finance skills (1 day)

This course will help people with little or no financial background to feel confident in managing day-to-day charity finance

Outcomes and impact measurement (1 day)

Learn how to create an evaluation plan to better understand and demonstrate the difference your work makes

Trustees Week 2025: AI essentials

Join us to get a basic understanding of AI and tools that can support you in your trustee role.