Trustees are involved with making decisions around the running of the charity. Trustees must work to serve the charities interests and further its goals, applying the Trust’s resources to help the people of Southwark. Trustees must ensure that that they and the charity comply with the law, and that the charities work is carried out for public benefit.

Trustees are expected to have certain qualities that make them right for the role. They must be honest, hard-working, and have experience working in an administrative or committee role.

To apply for a trusteeship, you must be over 18 years old, and have some relevant personal qualities, skills, experience, and knowledge that may assist you in your work for the charity.

If you have ever been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or deception, or if you have been convicted of a crime within the last five years, then you are not eligible to be a Trustee.

You also may not apply if you have ever been disqualified from the directorship of a company, or if you have been removed from the office of a charity trustee for misconduct or mismanagement.

If you have ever been made bankrupt, or made a composition with creditors, you may not apply unless that bankruptcy or composition was discharged. You will need to provide the date of the discharge and may be required to provide relevant documents.

You must disclose any conflict of interest with the charity. If you, or any organisation that you are involved with has ever applied or received a grant, or otherwise been a beneficiary of the Mayor of Southwark’s Common Good Trust, then you must provide accurate details.

You must also mention if you, members of your family, or any organisation you are involved with has supplied any goods or services to the Trust.

If there are any other facts that may be conflicts of interest, you must disclose them as well.

Conflicts of interest do not necessarily disqualify you from being a trustee, but the existing Trustees must be adequately informed, so that only individuals who are suited to the trusteeship are appointed.