Trustee Code of Conduct

As a trustee of Art History Link-Up (AHLU) I promise to abide by the fundamental values that underpin all activities of this organisation. These are as follows:

‍Our values:

Transparency

Art History Link-Up strives to maintain an atmosphere of openness throughout the organisation to promote confidence of the public, stakeholders, staff, charity regulators and parliament.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are at the very heart of what Art History Link-Up strives to do, and this focus extends through the organisation to hiring processes, charity strategy, and treatment of all individuals.

Integrity and honesty

These will be the hallmarks of all conduct when dealing with colleagues within Art History Link-Up and equally when dealing with individuals and institutions outside it.

Accountability

Everything Art History Link-Up does will be able to stand the test of scrutiny by including but not limited to, beneficiaries, stakeholders, funders, public, the media, the Charity Commission, parliament and the courts.

Additionally I agree to the following points.

Law, mission, policies

1. I will act within the governing statutes of Art History Link-Up and abide by the policies and procedures of the organisation.
2. I will not break the law or go against any charity regulations in any aspect of my role of trustee.
3. I will support the objects and mission of Art History Link-Up and act as a champion.
4. I will develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Art History Link-Up and its strategy.

Conflicts of interest

1. I will always strive to act in the best interests of the organisation as a whole and not as a representative of any group, considering what is best for Art History Link-Up and its present and future beneficiaries.
2. 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.
3. I will submit to the judgment of the board and do as it requires regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Person to person

1. I will not break the law, go against charity regulations, or act in disregard of organisational policies in my relationships with fellow trustees, staff, volunteers, members, service recipients, contractors or anyone I come into contact with in my role as trustee.
2. I will strive to establish respectful, collegial and courteous relationships.

Protecting the organisation’s reputation

1. I will not make public comments about the organisation unless authorised to do so.
2. Any public comments I make about Art History Link-Up will be considered and in line with organisation policy, whether I make them as an individual or as a trustee.
3. When I am speaking as a trustee of Art History Link-Up, my comments will reflect current organisational policy even when these do not agree with my personal views.
4. When speaking as a private citizen I will strive to uphold the reputation of the organisation and those who work in it.
5. I will respect organisational, board and individual confidentiality.

Personal gain

1. I will not personally gain materially or financially from my role as trustee, unless specifically authorised to do so, nor will I permit others to do so as a result of my actions or negligence.
2. I will use organisational resources responsibly. I will document expenses and seek reimbursement according to procedure.
3. I will not accept gifts or hospitality without the prior consent of the Chair.

In the boardroom

1. I will strive to embody the principles of leadership in all of my actions and live up to the trust placed in me by Art History Link-Up.
2. I accept my responsibility to ensure that Art History Link-Up is well run and will raise issues and questions in an appropriate and sensitive way to ensure that is the case.
3. I will abide by board governance procedures and practices.
4. I will strive to attend all board meetings, giving apologies ahead of time to the Chair if unable to attend
5. I will study the agenda and other information sent to me in good time prior to the meeting and be prepared to debate and vote on agenda items during the meeting.
6. I will honour the authority of the chair and respect his or her role as meeting leader.
7. I will engage in debate and voting in meetings according to procedure, maintaining a respectful attitude toward the opinions of others while making my voice heard.
8. I will accept a majority board vote on an issue as decisive and final.
9. I will maintain confidentiality about what goes on in the boardroom unless authorised by the Chair or board to speak of it.

‍Enhancing governance:

1. I will participate in induction, training and development activities for trustees.
2. I will continually seek ways to improve board governance practice.
3. I will strive to identify good candidates for trusteeship and appoint new trustees on the basis of merit.
4. I will support the Chair in her efforts to improve his/her leadership skills.
5. I will support the Chief Executive in her role and, with my fellow board members, seek development opportunities for her.

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