TN5 Responsibilities of mission agency Boards

First published on this website in July 2001 and last updated in August 2023

Synopsis

These notes provide a summary of the responsibilties of the Trustees of any Christian charity, avoiding the 'policing' language sometimes seen in such lists and injecting a clear Christian dimension. The aim behind these is for the staff and Board to work in harmony.

The areas covered are:

1. Maintain a servant attitude
2. Promote and protect the organisation's development
3. Set a clear direction and keep this under review
4. Oversee the right use of resources
5. Take individual responsibility

It is not the responsibility of the Board to get involved in the day-to-day management of the organisation, but instead to see that it is managed well through the appointment and monitoring of the (executive) staff, and the setting and monitoring of strategy.

This is followed by a list of personal requirements. A supplement (Training Notes TN5a) offers a similar structure for the role of staff.

These notes have been updated in August 2023 with minor amendments to the text.