Trustee Director Code of Conduct
As a Trustee Director of Festival Medical Services Ltd I promise to abide by the fundamental values that underpin all the activities of this organisation. These are:
Accountability
Everything FMS does must be able to stand the test of scrutiny by the public, our members, the media, charity regulators, parliament and Courts.
Integrity, Honesty and respect
These will be the hallmarks of all conduct when dealing with colleagues within FMS and equally when dealing with service users (both individuals and institutions) outside it.
Transparency
FMS strives to maintain an atmosphere of openness throughout the organisation to promote confidence of the members, public, service users and charity regulators.
Additionally I agree to the following points:
Law, Mission and Policies
I will not break the law or go against any charity regulations in any aspect of my role of trustee director.
I will support the mission and consider myself its guardian.
I will abide by organisational policies.
Conflicts of Interest
I will always strive to act in the best interests of FMS.
I will declare any conflict of interest, or any circumstance that might be viewed by others as a conflict of interest, as soon as it arises.
I will submit to the judgement of the board and do as it requires regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Person to person
I will not break the law, go against the charity regulations or act in disregard of organisational policies in my relationship with fellow trustees, staff, volunteers, members, service recipients, contractors or anyone I come into contact with in my role as trustee director.
I will strive to establish respectful and courteous relationships with all I come into contact with in my role as trustee director.
Protecting the organisation's reputation
I will not act in such a way as to bring FMS into disrepute.
I will not speak as a trustee director of FMS to the media or in a public forum without the prior knowledge and approval of either the chair of managers or the chair of trustee directors.
When prior consent has not been obtained, I will inform either the chair of the Trustee Directors or the Charr of the Managers at once when I have spoken as a trustee director of FMS.
When I am speaking as a trustee director of FMS my comments will reflect current organisational policy even when these do not agree with my personal views.
When speaking as a private citizen I will strive to uphold the reputation of FMS and those who work on it.
I will respect organisational, board and individual confidentiality.
Personal gain
I will not personally gain materially or financially from my role as trustee, nor will I permit others to do so as a result of my negligence or actions.
I will document expenses and seek reimbursement according to procedure.
I will not accept substantial gifts or hospitality without prior consent of the chair.
I will use resources responsibly and when authorised in accordance with procedure.
In the boardroom
I will strive to embody the principles of leadership in all actions and live up to the trust placed in me by FMS.
I will abide by board governance procedures and practices.
I will strive to attend all board meetings, giving apologies ahead of time to the chair if unable to attend.
I will study the agenda and other information sent to me in good time prior to the meetings and be prepared to debate and vote on agenda items during the meetings.
I will honour the authority of the chair and respect their role as the meeting leader.
I will engage in debate and voting in meetings according to procedure, maintaining a respectful attitude to the opinions of others while making my voice heard.
I will accept a majority board vote as decisive and final.
I will maintain confidentiality about what goes on in the boardroom unless authorised by the chair to speak of it.
Enhancing governance
I will participate in induction, training and development activities for trustee directors.
I will continually seek ways to improve board governance practice.
I will strive to identify good candidates for trusteeship and appoint new trustees based on merit.
I will support the chair in their efforts to improve their leadership skills.
I will support the chair of the managers in their role, with my fellow board members and seek development opportunities for them.
Leaving the board
I understand that I must be eligible to stand and must have signed the declaration of eligibility to act.
I understand that substantial breach of any part of this code may result in my removal of the board.
Should I resign from the board I will inform the chair in advance in writing, stating my reasons for resigning. Additionally if asked to participate in an exit interview I will do so.
Aug 2010