What is the Board of Trustees?
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Mind in Barnet.  It is responsible for all Mind in Barnet activities and affairs.  The Chief Executive reports to the Board.

Mind in Barnet is a registered charity and all members of the Trustees are charity Trustees.  Mind in Barnet is also registered as a company limited by guarantee.  Members of the Board are also Directors of the company.

What does the Board of Trustees do?
Trustees have four main duties:

1.    A Duty to Set the Direction and Policies of Mind in Barnet
The main role of the Board is to ensure that Mind in Barnet has a clear purpose and direction for its work and pursues that purpose effectively.  The Trustees ensure that Mind in Barnet is in touch with current mental health issues, consults with users about their experience and is clear about its response to issues of concern.

Trustees are required to read, understand, interpret and apply the objects set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The Board discuss and agree its policy framework, the long-term plans and the strategy that will be used to implement them.  Staff and paid workers advise on these matters and work to put the plans into action.  The Board exists to govern, not to manage, Mind in Barnet.  Day-to-day management is delegated to the Chief Executive and through the Chief Executive to the workforce.

2.    Responsibility for the Employment of Workers
The Board is responsible for the employment of workers and must therefore ensure that Mind in Barnet has adequate policies and procedures on the recruitment, selection, induction, supervision, training and development of its workers (including equal opportunities and health and safety policies).

3.    A Duty to Oversee the Effective management of the Resources and Assets of Mind in Barnet
The financial and physical resources – including property and equipment - must be well managed and used efficiently and economically.  Trustees have to be satisfied that Mind in Barnet is properly insured and that financial affairs are properly managed.  The Executive Committee has a particular responsibility for keeping a finger on the financial pulse through reading and discussion of financial information, budgets and accounts.

4.    Accountability to the Membership of Mind in Barnet and others with a legitimate interest.
The Board must ensure Mind in Barnet provides reports of its activities to everyone who has a legitimate interest in the organisation – its members, affiliates, associates, funders and others.  The Annual Report is particularly important.  Reports required by law (such as to the Charity Commission and to the Registrar of Companies) must be made properly and on time.

How do I find out about becoming a Trustee?
Contact should be made with the Information and Advice team at 2 School Way, North Finchley, N12 0RY. By telephone on 020 8343 5700 or via email admin@mindinbarnet.org.uk