Description

For many of us, being elected or appointed as a charity trustee or member of a Vestry or church council can be a daunting prospect, especially if there is no process of training or induction. The introduction of the Scottish Charities Act and the appointment of a Charities Regulator have added to the demands of the role by clearly defining what is required of charity trustees. Those who have served on a church council or charity Board will also have experienced some of the challenges of working together for a common good. Whether you are an experienced Vestry member or charity trustee, or regard yourself as a novice, this day will hopefully enable you to come away feeling more confident in your role. The programme will include opportunity for discussion as well as individual and group-work sessions in addition to presentations on each main topic.

 
Session 1 will examine the role of governance and its relationship to leadership and management. We shall also consider whether there are any specifically Christian insights into the way governance is or should be practised. Anyone elected or appointed to serve on a Vestry or Church Council is also required to become a charity trustee and fulfil the statutory duties defined by the Scottish Charities and Trustee Investment Act (2005). In Session 2, we shall look at the role of a charity trustee and the duties that the role entails. In Session 3 we shall look more specifically at the role and responsibilities of Vestry/Church Council from a church perspective. These are defined by the Canons of the Church. We shall look at the legal framework but also consider the wider question of the role of governance in relation to the ministry and mission of the local church. Session 4 will highlight the hallmarks which identify an effective governing Board/Council and consider steps that we might take to develop the effectiveness of our Vestry/Council and our own contribution as a Vestry member. 

Duncan Munro, an ordained priest, has worked in parish ministry, education, industry and management consultancy as well as being a  Director and Trustee of a number of charities.