CHERT Trustee Code of Conduct

1. Background

1.1 CHERT is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), approved by the Charity Commission in June 2022. The objects and purpose of the Trust are as follows:

  1. To advance education for the public benefit about the history of the struggle for LGBT+ rights, including but not limited to the origins and history of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality and by contributing to the safe preservation of LGBT+ archives.
  2. To promote equality and diversity by encouraging a deeper understanding of the causes and progress of changes in public acceptance of LGBT+ rights.

2. Trustee Code of Conduct

As a trustee of the CHE Research Trust (CHERT) I promise to abide by the fundamental values that underpin all activities of this organisation. These are as follows:

Accountability and Transparency

Everything CHERT does will be accountable and open to stand the test of scrutiny by the Charity Commission, the public, the media, members, stakeholders, funders, parliament and the courts.

CHERT will strive to maintain an atmosphere of openness throughout the organisation to promote the confidence of the public, stakeholders, charity regulators and parliament.

Integrity and Honesty

The board will always act with integrity, adopting values and creating a culture which help achieve the organisation’s charitable purposes.

It will apply ethical values and principles to decisions and create a welcoming and supportive culture which helps achieve the charity’s purposes.

Integrity and honesty will be the hallmarks of all conduct when dealing with colleagues within CHERT and with individuals and organisations outside it.

The board is aware of the importance of the public’s confidence and trust in charities, and trustees undertake their duties accordingly.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

CHERT commits to embrace principles of equality, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and embed these within its activities.

Decision Making and Risk Management

The CHERT board will ensure that its decision-making processes are informed, rigorous and timely and that effective delegation, control and risk assessment and management systems are set up and monitored.

The board will strive to work effectively and collectively as a team aiming to reach consensus on decisions, using the balance of skills of its members to ensure that CHERT’s aims are being delivered.

4. Additionally, as a Trustee, I agree to the following points:

Law, mission, policies

  • I will act within the governing document of CHERT and abide by the policies and procedures of the organisation.
  • I will not break the law or go against charity regulations in any aspect of my role of trustee.
  • I will support the objects and mission of CHERT and act as their guardian and champion.
  • I will develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of CHERT and its environment

Conflicts of interest

  • I will always strive to act in the best interests of the organisation as a whole and not as a representative of any group, considering what is best for CHERT and its present and future beneficiaries.
  • I will declare any conflict of interest, or any circumstance that might be viewed by others as a conflict of interest, as soon as it arises.
  • I will submit to the judgment of the board and do as it requires regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Person to person

  • I will not break the law, go against charity regulations or act in disregard of organisational policies in my relationships with fellow trustees, staff, volunteers, members, service recipients, contractors or anyone I come into contact with in my role as trustee.
  • I will strive to establish respectful, collegial and courteous relationships.

Protecting the organisation’s reputation

  • I will not make public comments about the organisation unless authorised to do so.
  • Any public comments I make about CHERT will be considered and in line with organisational policy, whether I make them as an individual or as a trustee.
  • When I am speaking as a trustee of this organisation, my comments will reflect current organisational policy even when these do not agree with my personal views.
  • When speaking as a private citizen I will strive to uphold the reputation of the organisation and those who work in it.
  • I will respect organisational, board and individual confidentiality.

Inappropriate Personal gain

  • I will not personally gain materially or financially from my role as trustee, unless specifically authorised to do so, nor will I permit others to do so as a result of my actions or negligence.
  • I will use organisational resources responsibly. I will document expenses and seek reimbursement according to procedure.
  • I will not accept gifts or hospitality without the prior consent of the chair.

In the boardroom

  • I will strive to embody the principles of leadership in all my actions and live up to the trust placed in me by CHERT.
  • I accept my responsibility to ensure that CHERT is well run and will raise issues and questions in an appropriate and sensitive way to ensure that this is the case.
  • I will abide by board governance procedures and practices.
  • I will strive to attend all board meetings, giving apologies ahead of time to the chair if unable to attend.
  • I will study the agenda and other information sent me in good time prior to the meeting and be prepared to debate and vote on agenda items during the meeting.
  • I will honour the authority of the chair and respect his or her role as meeting leader.
  • I will engage in debate and voting in meetings according to procedure, maintaining a respectful attitude toward the opinions of others while making my voice heard.
  • I will accept a majority board vote on an issue as decisive and final.
  • I will maintain confidentiality about what goes on in the boardroom unless authorised by the chair or board to speak of it.

Enhancing governance

  • I will participate in induction, training and development activities for trustees if required.
  • I will continually seek ways to improve board governance practice.
  • I will strive to identify good candidates for trusteeship and appoint new trustees on the basis of merit.
  • I will support the chair in his/her efforts to improve his/her leadership skills. 

Leaving the board

  • I understand that substantial breach of any part of this code may result in my removal from the trustee board.
  • Should procedures be put in motion that may result in my being asked to resign from the board, I will be given the opportunity to be heard. In the event that I am asked to resign from the board, I will accept the majority decision of the board and resign at the earliest opportunity.
  • Should I resign from the board I will inform the chair in advance in writing, stating my reasons for resigning where these relate to the governance of the charity. Additionally, I may be asked to participate in an exit interview.

Signed:

Name:

Date: 

4. Revision of the Policy

This policy was debated at a meeting of the Board of the Trust on 10 October 2022. and further debated and agreed at a Board meeting on 11 November 2022.

Along with the Trust’s other policies it will be reviewed annually. Feedback on the process, and suggestions for improving it, will always be welcome.