CAPITAL must have a Board of Trustees; the Charity Commission set this as a legal requirement.
We have seats on the Board for up to 9 people, the majority of these need to be members, however there is also an option to bring in or coopt people with specialist skills e.g. finance, governance, people management.
What do Trustees do?
Charity trustees share responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. They may be called trustees, the board, the management committee, governors, directors or something else.
Trustees are volunteers and do not get paid though expenses for when they travel as part of the role can be claimed.
Trustees must be able to come to a minimum of 4 meetings a year, these are in person and online.
Trustees’ main jobs are to:
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Make sure CAPITAL does the things it was set up to do and is following its own rules about working with members and other people
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Check CAPITAL spends its money well, works with the money it has and changes plans if it doesn’t, as well as ensuring the right accounts are maintained
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Make sure that CAPITAL works within the money it has and changes its work if there is not enough
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Make sure CAPITAL has the right insurances
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Make sure the right reports are sent to Companies House and the Charity Commission
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Be part of telling people about what CAPITAL does and listen to ideas from other people
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Make sure CAPITAL keeps to the law around things like: Employing people, Health and Safety & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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Choose and support the Chief Executive, including supporting with strategy development and future plans
Why is this important?
Without Trustees no-one would be checking to make sure money is being spent responsibly, that there is enough income to run services and pay staff and that the organisation is doing what it said it would do.
Trustees are vitally important to CAPITAL, without them the organisation is not allowed to operate.
Thinking of applying to become a Trustee?
Watch this video clip form our Trustees Roy, Sam, Lin and Latoya on why now is a great time to apply and why this opportunity might be right for you!
Although our 2025 application process has ended, if you are interested in becoming a Trustee you can always reach out to CAPITAL Chair of Trustees, Roy, to have an informal discussion.
Trustees can be co-opted through the year, but our formal Trustee application process ends in September each year.
As a member led charity, one of the most important voluntary roles is to serve as a trustee on its governing board.
Roy Davies Chair of Trustees
Why did you become a Trustee?
To learn more about CAPITAL and to get involved in its development and operation.
Members have choice over their level of commitment and involvement, some take training and apply for staff roles, others are more inclined to be volunteers.
What do you enjoy about the role?
The challenge of responsibility. It provides motivation and helps confidence.
Role satisfaction when I feel that I make a beneficial difference.
What do you want to help CAPITAL achieve over the next few years?
To build on its success and valued reputation. Whether independently or in partnership, find new ways to influence and coproduce mental health services in ways that represent and benefit our members.
– Roy Davies
I discovered CAPITAL and did the training, which made me feel valued and more than ‘just a patient’. This changed my life; I became a Trustee to give back to the organisation that helped me so much.
Suki Westmore Treasurer / Vice Chair of Trustees
Why did you become a Trustee?
In the late 90’s I was really struggling with my mental health and feeling like my voice wasn’t heard.
What do you enjoy about the role?
I really enjoy working with other Trustees and Duncan, it’s great to talk through options and hear other people’s views.
What do you want to help Capital achieve over the next few years?
I want Capital to thrive and grow over the next few years, thinking about how we can do this and what needs to change will just be the beginning. It’s such an exciting time to be at CAPITAL.
– Suki Westmore
How can I become a Trustee?
We’d love you to apply to become a Trustee! All members can apply however, the most important things to for anyone wanting to be Trustee are:
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Wanting to help the organisation achieve its aims
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Wanting to set a direction for the future
Working in partnership with other Trustees and the Chief Executive to make decisions
If you have any questions please contact [email protected] or call us on 01243 869662.
We hope to hear from you soon!