Governance

TRUSTEE MATTERS

Trustees are appointed by the unanimous agreement of other trustees, based on suitability and experience, while also supporting the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in the recruitment.

A Trustee may serve for an unlimited duration but subject to a review every 3 years where their continued appointment should be approved by a two thirds majority of the other Trustees. The Chair is expected to ensure all trustees contribute effectively and will carry out informal appraisal of other trustees. Trustees are not paid, but may claim travel and subsistence costs for meetings; few do.


Trustees’ Job Description

The trustees’ job description can be viewed by clicking here.

Terms of Reference for Trustee Meetings

Trustees meet once every quarter. Their task is to ensure the charity is run correctly, following guidance from bodies such as the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator.  We follow the Government guidance for trustees.

Code of Conduct

Trustees act according to the following code of conduct, agreeing to uphold the following principles throughout their work:

  • Beneficiaries first
  • Integrity
  • Openness
  • Right to be safe

These principles will be woven into strategies, policies and procedures to uphold the fundamental values, but also to set the stage for long term success.

The Code of Conduct can be viewed here.

Conflict of Interest

Trustees have a legal duty to act in Launchpad’s best interests when making decisions. If there is a decision to be made where a trustee has a personal or other interest, this is a conflict of interest and the trustee will not be able to comply with their duties. Therefore, we have instigated a policy that follows a three-step approach (identify, prevent, record). A Register of Interests for trustees will be maintained.

Gift & Hospitality

Trustees and members of staff should not use their official position to receive, agree to accept or attempt to obtain any payment or other consideration for doing, or not doing, anything or showing favour, or disfavour, to any person. They should not receive benefits of any kind from a third party which might reasonably be seen to compromise their personal judgement and integrity.


BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees comprises up to ten trustees; the reason for this size is to capture the breadth of skills and experience needed to oversee the running of the charity. Three trustees make a quorum. Board members can participate by social media and remote communications, such as via telephone or Skype. Board meetings will be called every 3-4 months; the frequency is considered to be an effective period for trustees to review and to plan ahead, without being too frequent or infrequent.

The Trustees appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair; Lucy Perriam is the current Chair and the Vice-Chair is to be appointed.

Trustees’ biographies are shown on the Launchpad website here.

Terms of Reference

The terms of reference for the Board of Trustees are as follows.

The Board of Trustees is to:

  • Meet 3-4 times a year routinely and extraordinarily when needed
  • Review the performance of the charity since the last meeting
  • Make decisions to improve the performance of the charity and to flourish in the future
  • Review income and expenditure, ensuring that there are sufficient funds to carry out the objects of the charity
  • Review issues concerning the members of staff and residents to ensure both are being managed effectively
  • To ensure the charity’s infrastructure, both buildings and IT, is fit for purpose
  • To review the risk register at least once a year, but to consider new risks every meeting, if there are any

CEO’s Objectives

The CEO’s objectives are as follows:

  • Prepare a strategic plan and annual budget for approval by the Board of Trustees
  • Operate within the annual budget and ensure management and HR policies are up-to-date
  • Recruit and work with the senior management team
  • Build relationships with politicians, the media and government officials in order to advance the organisation’s aims
  • Establish and monitor key indicators of Launchpad’s impact and financial health
  • Represent Launchpad at external events and publicity opportunities
  • Maintain awareness of risks and changes in the external environment that affect Launchpad
  • Build an effective working relationship with the Chair of the Board of Trustees
  • Supply regular reports to the trustee board and attend trustee and sub-committee meetings
  • Ensure Launchpad’s staff and volunteers are focused on achieving its mission and aims
  • Ensure that Launchpad fulfils its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities
  • Establish mechanisms for listening to the views of beneficiaries on Launchpad’s performance
  • Deliver Launchpad’s business plan and, if necessary, help the organisation to win contracts from public bodies or develop social enterprise ‘spin offs’
  • Help to ensure a sustainable income from individual, corporate, legacy and trust donations
  • Represent Launchpad to the media and give interviews

Strategic Business Plan

Launchpad’s strategic business plan is to deliver the charity’s objects while there are sufficient beneficiaries. Sufficient funds will be obtained through rent, grants and other fund-raising. The charity’s objects will be delivered using a people-centric approach, using the Outcome Star Methodology where each veteran is considered individually. The charity will deliver its objects in conjunction with other service-providers.

Budget Forecast

A budget and cashflow spreadsheet will be considered by the trustees at each routine trustees’ meeting.

Annual Plan

A rolling annual plan will be produced by the CEO under trustees’ direction.

Risk Register

A risk register will be maintained and reviewed every quarter by the CEO and house managers. The risk register will be considered at least once a year by trustees and they are to consider new risks, or changed risks, every meeting, if there are any.

Joint Working

By necessity, Launchpad will work with many other organisations. Where sensible, SLA’s, or similar, will be established.

Remuneration

Trustees will oversee remuneration of all staff, applying the remuneration policy. The trustees will award an annual rise in salaries/fees according to the CPI as long as it is affordable.  A bonus will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances.


POLICIES

Among others, Launchpad applies the following policies:

  • Safeguarding
  • Remuneration
  • Fundraising
  • Data Protection
  • Complaints
  • Whistleblowing
  • Serious Incidents
  • HR
  • COSH
  • Ethical Fundraising Policy

Safeguarding

Note that we recognise our Safeguarding and Prevent duty in line with current legislation and good practice and are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.

Financial Accounts >