Trustee Code of Conduct
The Trustee code of conduct is an agreement between Ash u3a and the individual committee member which spells out the standards of behaviour expected from Trustees.
Current Trustees should be asked to accept it and new Trustees should be advised of the code as soon as they join the committee and formally asked to accept it. The acceptance should be minuted.
Requirements of a Trustee
- Ash u3a Trustees must work together as a team and are collectively responsible for controlling the management and administration of the Ash u3a.
- Trustees must read the Charity Commission leaflet CC3 entitled ‘The Essential Trustee – what you need to know, what you need to do’ which can be downloaded from the Charity Commission website.
- Trustees must comply with Charity Law and the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator.
- Trustees are expected to know, follow and promote the Principles of the u3a Movement at every opportunity.
- Trustees must always act in the best interests of Ash u3a and the u3a Movement, strive to uphold its reputation and never do anything which could bring Ash u3a or the u3a Movement into disrepute or expose it to undue risk.
- Trustees are expected to use Ash u3a’s resources responsibly and only to further its stated charitable objects/purposes.
- Trustees are expected to reflect the current organisational policy of Ash u3a, regardless of whether it conflicts with their personal views.
- Trustees are expected to abide by Ash u3a’s governance procedures and practices.
- Trustees must never derive any pecuniary benefit from being a Trustee and must notify the Chair of any gifts received.
- Trustees should inform the Chair before accepting an invitation to speak on behalf of the u3a.
- Trustees are expected to always treat fellow committee members courteously and maintain a respectful attitude towards the opinions of others.
- Organisational, committee and individual confidentiality must be respected at all times.
- All committee members must satisfy the relevant regulatory body’s requirements for being Trustees.
Declaration
Current and newly elected Trustees should be asked to confirm their acceptance of the code which should be minuted. Alternatively, you can ask each Trustee to indicate acceptance by signing and dating a copy which should be kept on file.
Related documentation
Support, Advice and Information
The u3a run a number of online workshops to support Trustees, including ‘Running your u3a – Information for Trustees’. More information about these workshops and how to book can be found on the u3a website.
All members can also contact the u3a office for information and advice by calling 020 8466 6139 or emailing: u3a.office@u3a.org.uk.
Last updated on 8 August 2026 by Graham (Chair)