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What is a charity trustee?

Published: 06/05/2025
Updated: 06/05/2025

Charity trustees are the people in overall control and management of a charity. They may be called directors, management committee members or committee members, but the law considers them to be 'charity trustees'.  In short, this applies to whoever is responsible for the charity's governance, strategy, and for making sure that the charity is administered effectively. They are required to account for its activities and outcomes.

Our Guidance for Charity Trustees sets out the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees. It also offers examples of good practice in the governance of charities, which should help charity trustees to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

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