Would You Like to be a TBF Trustee?
What's it all about?
The trustees are accountable for the proper conduct of the charity. They must ensure it is run in accordance with the Trust Deed and Rules, and that the assets are properly safeguarded and used only for the purpose laid down in the Trust Deed.
A trustee who does not undertake the duties of the post diligently is potentially liable in law to meet the costs of a breach of Trust or of mismanagement.
Who can be a TBF trustee?
Any contributing member who is still employed in the public transport industry is eligible for consideration. They must not be barred from holding office as a trustee in law.
What sort of person does a trustee need to be?
In addition to the qualifications set out in response to the previous question, trustees must have an interest in the charity and its beneficiaries. An interest in the public transport industry, its problems and challenges is also essential. They must be able to absorb the training given and the Trust Deed and Rules and be able to judge matters impartially in the light of these. They must not let their personal feelings (or potential advantage) intervene in deciding the direction of the charity or the help given to any beneficiary and they must not let prejudice determine their actions.
While we welcome interest from any suitable candidate, we have a special duty to ensure the Board reflects the diversity of our membership.
To this end, we welcome especially interest from those who can add to the diversity of the Board. Such candidates are most likely to ensure:
• Maintenance of representation from existing minority groups; or
• Improved representation for minority groups; or
• Involvement of a further major employer group; or
• Involvement of Train Operating Companies or Network Rail; or
• Bus workers (from companies where they are under-represented); or
• Involvement of someone employed other than in the London area
Apart from the these employment and location categories, minority groups may be based on gender, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment, marital or HIV status, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, disability or age.
Occasionally we are looking for potential trustees with specialized skills (such as medical, legal or financial expertise), but possession of these is much less important than commitment to the charity and the ability to add to the diversity of the Board.
What's involved?
There are four Board meetings each year, held in London during the late afternoon. Each lasts about three hours and all trustees are expected to attend each meeting unless there are good reasons to miss one. The Board controls the running of the charity and deals with all matters relating to it.
There is also the opportunity to become involved in deciding on grants to those in need, and to serve on (mainly ad hoc) working groups to further the work of the charity.
Is there any training?
Trustees are trained in the basic provisions of charity law and in the provisions of the Trust Deed and Rules. They are encouraged to enquire and question. There is an annual presentation on changes in charity law and to ensure that trustees continue to feel 'up to speed'. If necessary, specialized training can be provided, but this is not normally necessary.
What is the pay?
Nil - trustees do the job because they want to help members and to help run the charity. It is not possible to re-imburse loss of pay, but things like train fares can be re-imbursed.
How long would I be a trustee?
Elections are held every three years, though we sometimes lose trustees for very good reasons during their term of office. In principle, a trustee can normally resign if necessary. Trustees may serve as many three year terms as they are elected, as long as they continue to be eligible to serve.
And how many Trustees are there?
Generally around a dozen.
Do I have to help out in the office?
No. We expect trustees to take an interest in the running of the charity, but we have a Director and staff who administer it on a day-to-day basis. One of the most important functions of the trustees is to monitor how well this is done.
I'm interested. What do I do now?
Talk to the Director (Chris Godbold - 0870 0000 172 or 173) or e-mail him. Ask questions or - if you wish - ask to meet a trustee to hear of their experiences.