Managing trustees are expected to conduct their meetings according to the Quaker business method (see chapter 3). Some Charity Commission schemes provide for majority voting but this provision would be exercisable only if trustees could not agree a minute made by their clerk discerning the sense of the meeting. Minutes are to be made in the meeting and accepted and signed in accordance with our church government.
Managing trustees should report to their area meeting at least once a year. They should also refer to the area meeting in session any major decisions, such as those involving the acquisition, disposal or major alteration of land or buildings.
The powers conferred upon managing trustees should not be delegated by them except in connection with routine matters or those with few or no financial implications. They may, for example, choose to delegate to local meetings and their premises committees the interior decoration and maintenance of buildings, and the general upkeep of gardens and burial grounds, subject to specified limits on expenditure which may be incurred without prior permission having been obtained from the managing trustees. Managing trustees should also satisfy themselves that adequate reporting arrangements are in place for them to supervise the exercise of delegated powers, and likewise for local meetings and their premises committees to be kept regularly informed of the policies being followed and decisions taken by the managing trustees.
For further information on trusteeship see the Treasurers' handbook
Next: 15.06
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