Information for Potential Trustees
Vision of the Wayne Howard Trust
The WHT provides families across Hampshire who are affected by acquired brain injury (ABI) with access to support, information and resources provided through a ABI Coordinator.
Introduction
The Wayne Howard Trust is committed to developing services for people with acquired brain injury across Hampshire and is actively seeking volunteer trustees.
The following information has been developed to assist you in gaining a greater understanding about the work of the Wayne Howard Trust. More specifically, if you are interested in becoming a Trustee for the charity it will give you some background information to help you make the
decision.
Our values
Background information
Each year, an estimated 1 million people in the UK go to hospital as a result of a head injury. Males are three times more likely to have a head injury than females and the age group most at risk is between 17 and 40. Most traumatic brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, but many result from domestic and industrial accidents, sports and recreational injuries and from assaults. The effects on victims and their families can be devastating and lifelong.
The WHT was established in 2003 by Isobel Howard following the horrific road traffic collision 2 years earlier where Wayne Howard acquired a catastrophic brain injury. The family experienced the harsh reality of life following acquired brain injury, where they encountered little or no support at times. Wayne’s long term outcome was not something that was discussed openly and as such his family often felt alone. After completing their own research into available therapy, they determined that early neuro intervention, practical information and support were all keys to helping Wayne and the family move forward.
Following intensive research in to available therapies, the Howard family initiated an appeal to raise money to send Wayne for treatment at the world famous Schmeider Clinic in Germany, where a multi-disciplinary team designed a bespoke rehabilitation programme, which enabled Wayne and his family to lead a more viable life. Following this success, the family set up the Wayne Howard Trust in order to help other families facing similar situations.
Today the charity focuses on three factors – information, practical support and early rehabilitation
Achievements
Over the past seven years The Wayne Howard Trust has seen its income grow to nearly £40,000 per annum and has achieved success in the following areas:
- A 5 year business strategy was launched in 2010 to help form an implementation plan to formally build the infrastructure of the charity to enable it to achieve its vision
- A strong ‘Case for Support’ has been developed and submitted to a number of grant making trusts and foundations for the first WHT ABI Coordinator.
- A charity shop which is situated in Shirley, near Southampton. The shop has a full time manager and is supported by a number of volunteers. The manager is committed to ensuring excellent customer service, maximising profits from donated goods and maintaining high standards and efficiency of staff engaged in the running of the shop. Any surplus from the charity shop goes straight back to the charity to help fund its programme of support.
- A programme of regular fundraising activities which have been supported by the local community. These include a bi-annual extravaganza show, sponsored walks, salsa dances, art exhibitions, collections, and local corporate sponsorship.
- Therapeutics Southampton. Through a past financial donation from the Trust it was able to provide a Neuro-Physiotherapy Assistant to help the full time Physiotherapist within the Neuro-Rehab Unit. Some of the neurological patients required extra help to enable them to reach their maximum potential within these treatment sessions. This ‘extra pair of hands’ proved invaluable and was well received by all concerned. The Trust also paid for a ‘therapy plinth’ which patients continue to benefit from.
- Donation to a local teenager who spent more than a year and a half in a rehabilitation centre and desperately needed a standing frame to enable him to get out of his wheelchair. The Wayne Howard trust donated £1,000 towards the appeal.
- 3 further donations have been given towards sending young men to the Magdeburg Clinic in Germany. The clinic uses the rehabilitation model developed by the Schmeider Clinic.
- A major grant has been secured from the Sobell Foundation for two years to recruit a Fundraising Officer.
Becoming a Trustee for the Wayne Howard Trust
To be a Trustee requires time, understanding and effort. It is also an extremely rewarding opportunity to serve the community and to further develop personal skills. The charity is looking to create a dynamic and successful Board of Trustees in order for it to meet the strategic goals it developed in 2010. If you have any of the following skills and attributes and are prepared to give a little time each month, then we would love to talk to you:
Role of the Trustees
Charity Trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They can be known as Trustees, Directors, Board members, Governors or Committee members. Charity Trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of a charity.
The great majority of Trustees serve as volunteers, and receive no payment for their work. Charity Trustees come from all walks of life, and are united by their wish to create positive change in society. Most people are eligible to serve as Trustees. The work of a Trustee should be rewarding and enjoyable, and an opportunity to serve the community while learning new skills.
Role of the Charity Commission
The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. Their job as regulator is to work closely with charities to ensure that they are accountable, well run and meet their legal obligations in order to promote public trust and confidence. Most charities must register with the Commission, although some special types of charity do not have to register. There are some 190,000 registered charities in England and Wales. In Scotland the framework is different, and the Commission does not regulate Scottish charities.
Compliance
Trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of a charity, and ensuring that it is financially stable, well-run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. They must also ensure that the charity complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator.Trustees must act with integrity, and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets.
Duty of care
Trustees must use reasonable care and skill in their work as Trustees, utilising their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that the charity is well-run and efficient.
Some Q&A’s that you might find useful
Am I eligible to become a trustee?
Most people over 18 years of age can become Trustees, but a few are not eligible:
Those who have already been disqualified as Company Directors and those who have been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty or deception are some of the people who cannot usually become Trustees. In some cases, people who receive benefits from the charity may also be ineligible.
How long does the appointment of a Trustee last?
It is anticipated that Trustees should serve a 3 year term
Reappointment?
A Trustee whose term of office has expired can be appointed for a further 2 terms of office
Can Trustees be paid for their duties?
Generally, no. Most Trustees are unpaid, and must not benefit in any way from their connection with the charity. There are limited exceptions to this rule, and the 1993 Act allows Trustees to be paid in certain circumstances for providing services to the charity over and above their normal Trustee duties.
What are the financial duties of Trustees?
The Trustees of every charity must ensure that its finances are used appropriately, prudently, lawfully and in accordance with its objects.
How often do Trustees need to meet?
The Board of Trustees will meet 3 – 4 times a year’s in Southampton
How much time will be needed?
Generally one day a month, but more maybe necessary when events are taking place.
What are the liabilities of charity Trustees?
A conscientious and committed Trustee need have few worries about personal liability. However, it is important for all Trustees to understand their position.