National Survivor User Network
Roles of Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer
Please note that, depending on the size and nature of the organisation, trustees might
also be called management committees, boards etc. Also, chief executives may also
be called directors, managers, co-ordinators etc.
Chair
1. To lead the trustee body, ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities
for the governance of the organisation.
2. To work in partnership with the Chief Executive to help achieve the
mission of the organisation, and effective relationships between trustees,
staff and participants.
The Chair will:
 Chair meetings of the Board (and the Annual General Meeting and any
Emergency General Meetings), ensuring that it functions effectively and
carries out its duties.
 Work with the Chief Executive on agendas for meetings, and monitor
implementation of decisions.
 Ensure that the organisation’s financial affairs are prudently and properly
managed, audited and publicly reported.
 With the Chief Executive, ensure that trustees receive appropriate advice,
training and information relating to their role.
 Work with the Chief Executive to ensure that trustees develop a long-term
strategy for the organisation with objectives that can be monitored.
 Monitor progress of the annual plan and strategic plan.
 Be satisfied that appropriate resources (personnel, financial, material) are
available to achieve agreed goals.
 Support and review the work of the Chief Executive.
 Help promote the organisation to potential donors and beneficiaries and the
general public.
Treasurer
1. On behalf of the Board, ensure that the organisation’s financial
obligations are met and that the organisation operates within the legal
and financial guidelines set out in current legislation.
2. In conjunction with the Chair and Vice-Chair, ensure that trustees
collectively fulfil their responsibilities for the governance and financial
affairs of the organisation, optimising the relationship between the trustee
body, the Chief Executive, staff and volunteers.
The Treasurer will also:
Chair Finance Committee and be responsible for agreeing agendas and methods
of work and action to be taken by the Committee, and will seek to ensure that:
 Adequate financial controls are in place and that the organisation
operates within a sound financial framework.
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Grants and other funds received for specific purposes are
appropriately spent.
Financial information presented is comprehensive and accurate.
Appropriate action is taken on any financial risks facing the
organisation.
Provide appropriate oversight and monitoring of Appeals and
fundraising budgets.
Advise the trustee body on the financial implications of its strategy and
policy objectives.
Ensure that the organisation has appropriate Human Resources
procedures in place e.g. to comply with current employment and equal
opportunities legislation and good practice.
Ensure the organisation has a satisfactory system for holding in trust for
the beneficiaries of the charity any monies or property, and that
appropriate monies are invested to the greatest benefit of the
organisation within the constraints of the law and best investment
Vice Chair
1. To work closely with the Chair and act as a deputy when appropriate
2. In conjunction with the Chair and Treasurer, ensure that trustees
collectively fulfil their responsibilities for the governance and financial
affairs of the organisation, optimising the relationship between the trustee
body, the Chief Executive, staff and volunteers.
The Board needs to consider whether they want the Vice Chair to hold any particular
functions on top of the general ones as above