A Scheme of Delegation is a reference document showing what authority to make decisions the board has delegated to committees, staff or volunteers under the powers of the governing document.

If you have paid staff it's important to be clear about separate roles and responsibilities, and legal liabilities. Trustees and staff are mutually dependent and a good relationship is key to them both effectively fulfilling their roles. a form to fill in to download the guides. Immediate access is given once form filled in.

The Scottish Governance Code sets out five core principles of good governance for the boards of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in Scotland encouraging them to look at and improve their governance

Trustees have formal power and ultimate responsibility and they need to be aware of this and and act in the best interests of the organisation, following all requirements of law and regulation and their governing document.

Trustees should recognise that everyone has the right to fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy and regularly refer back to these principles during decision making. They should ensure that their organisation complies with relevant equalities legislation and guidance, and review and assess the organisation's actions, policies and values to ensure that they are in line with the principles.

A board should incorporate the PANEL principles of Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Empowerment and Legality when engaging with stakeholders.

A board should have a statement of intent that outlines their commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation

It's important to have an agreed set of guidelines outlining the responsibilities and standards expected of trustees. It should highlight the importance of collective decision making, and will help identify and address issues and provide trustees with an understanding of what is expected of their role.

Trustees need to have information that is concise, relevant, reliable, timely, and fit for purpose to reach good collective decisions.

A written statement describing the responsibilities and support arrangements for a volunteer will help everyone know and respect the difference between governance and day to day operations

If your governing document gives you the power to do so, you may delegate authority to a sub-committe which allows more time to be spent on certain issues. But any decisions affecting your organisation should be made by all the trustees acting together.

UK Government advice - Company directors are regulated by Companies House and subject to the Companies Acts and other legislation. If your organisation is a charitable company then your trustees will be subject to company law and regulated by OSCR as well.

All trustees are responsible for their own actions, and for the actions and decisions taken by trustees when acting together. As responsibility is collective, if there are any legal or financial repercussions from decisions made by trustees, then all members of that group can be held legally liable in equal proportion.

Trustees need to know how to measure their organisation's success, learn how to improve, make evidence-based decisions, and report on the difference their organisation is making.

Charity trustees need to understand their general and specific duties which are set out in law and regulated by the the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

If you define your vision, values and priorities it provides trustees with a common sense of purpose and a long-term direction, and allows you to communicate what you organisation is about.

Trustees should be open and transparent in their governance to protect the reputation of their organisation.

The SCVO HR Service provides voluntary sector organisations across Scotland with expert HR and employment support. Anyone can get free templates, resources and information, and a paid subscription service offers further additional HR guidance and bespoke 1-to-1 support with an HR expert.

Trustees need to know and respect the difference between governance and operations so they can focus on the direction of the organisation medium to long term rather than the day to day activities.

Your organisation depends on the trust and support of your stakeholders. To build a relationship of trust you should be able to clearly communicate your purpose, vision and values, and welcome feedback on your impact.

Your stakeholders are important to the success of your organisation so you need to know who they are and how to engage with them

Boards should have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy which all board members, staff and volunteers are aware of, and how it relates to their work. This should be reviewed periodically.