Trustee integrity and conduct

In order to fulfil their formal duties, trustees should be expected to uphold certain values and principles. These values and principles will influence their conduct and behaviour and are common to many voluntary and public roles. These include to:

• Act with honesty and integrity in their work for the charity
• Commit to being open and accountable to those with a stake or interest in the organisation 
• Enhance the organisation’s reputation    
• Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with their duty to the charity, unless these have been declared and authorised
• Uphold the values and policies of the organisation
• Take an active interest in the organisation’s work
• Maintain good relationships with other trustees and with staff, volunteers, advisors, members and other people and groups in the charity
• Actively contribute to the work of the board by regularly attending meetings and preparing and participating in discussion and decision-making.

These values and principles have very practical applications. For example:

• Are trustees clear about when they are authorised to speak on behalf of the organisation?
• Are trustees clear about when they should declare conflicts of interest?

Many charities adopt a formal code of conduct and a register of interests, setting out the behaviour and conduct expected of trustees. A code of conduct can help clarify the expectations of board members and help them better understand their role. If things go wrong, a code can also help clarify, ultimately, any steps and sanctions that might need to be taken against a board member.