The role of the Trustee

The Third Age Trust  Is a registered charity governed by trustees who are responsible for ensuring that work conforms to the movement’s own Articles of Association (the constitution)  The trust is subject to charity law.  The body that ensures conformity to that law is the Charity Commission.  The Third Age Trust is also a company Limited by Guarantee and subject to company law.  A trustee is therefore also a registered director of the company.  Trustees are elected from 9 regions in England, and 1 each from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales forming the National Executive.  The Chairman, 2 Vice Chairman and Treasurer are also trustees.  The Third Age Trust members are the local U3As

Our U3As  There are nearly 1,000 U3As in the UK  They are independently managed charities with their own constitution.  They can use the U3A logo provided they adhere to the aims and guiding principles of the organisation.  The trustees are subject to charity law.  U3As are growing at 8% per year.

South West Region U3A Consists of 13 Networks.  Avalon Network  Bath & Wiltshire Network  Cotswold Link  Devon Link  East Devon Network  East Dorset Network  North Devon Link  North Somerset Network  Tamar Valley  Two Moors  West Cornwall.  West Dorset Network  West Somerset Network

Avalon Network This consists of 6 U3As in South Somerset  Camelot (Castle Cary)  Chard & Ilminster  Crewkerne & District  Somerton  Street and Glastonbury  Yeovil

Advice Sheets 1. Accessibility for disabled members 2. First Aid 3. Applying for Gift Aid on member subscriptions 4. Organising your AGM 5. Data Protection 6. Sorting out problems/grievances 7. Organising residential schools 8. Social events and travel 9. Use of U3A trademark 10. Licences 11. Induction of new U3As 12. Waiting lists 13. Standing orders 14. For Group Leaders/Co-ordinators/Facilitators 15. Shared learning projects 16. Food handling and preparation. 17. THE COMMITTEE REFERENCE FILE FOR COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITY.

Discussion Papers  Keeping your U3A vibrant  The challenge of finding group leaders  The challenge of finding committee members  Making communication a priority

Trustees  All trustees should have an induction to their duties and legal responsibilities. (Advice sheet 11)  Trustees should be familiar with ‘The Essential Trustee - an introduction’ and aware of ‘The Essential Trustee’ ww.charity-commission.gov.uk) ww.charity-commission.gov.uk  All committee members should have read ‘Committee Reference File.’

How does my U3A work? Every trustee should know:-  How many groups?  Who are the group leaders?  Who is responsible for group monies?  Any issues with groups.  If members have a problem do they know how to manage these in your U3A?

Duty of Care  Committee members have a duty of care to the members  Health and Safety issues should be considered for venues, equipment, less able members  It is the committee’s duty to deal with any problems  It is important to do risk assessments.

Other responsibilities  Data Protection Act (Advice sheet 5)  Safe custody of members’ money – all major payments through the treasurer.  Members should be aware of the aims and guiding principles of the U3A movement.  Members’ obligations to share the learning experience by giving as well as receiving.  Membership is for those no longer in full time employment  Taster sessions - (see insurance booklet)  Financial paperwork should be retained for 6 years  Liability Insurance  Accounts should be examined annually but a full audit is not always necessary.  Licences.

Never Forget Help is always at hand.  From your Regional Trustee  From Advice Sheets  From National Office  From Resources.  From your SWR representative  From Network Representatives.

THANK YOU  For what you are doing for your members.  For what you are doing for the U3A.