Board of Director Continuing Development

This page provides resources for Directors of ProgHist Ltd who wish to engage in continuing professional development or to better understand their role as a Trustee of a Charity registered in England.

The Role of the Articles of Association

ProgHist Ltd's activities are governed by its Articles of Association, the latest version of which can always be found on Companies House: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/12192946/filing-history. All directors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Articles, as we are legally required to adhere to them as a Board.

The Role of a Trustee

A Trustee is a specific legal role within a charity or not-for-profit organization. It is a team-based role that comes with governing responsibility and must always act in the best interest of the organization. Trustees are not representatives of certain groups or publications within the wider Programming Historian team. For example, someone who holds both the roles of Managing Editor of the French publication and Trustee of Proghist Ltd must not consider themselves a French-team representative on the board. When acting in their capacity as a Trustee, that person must be careful not to let their other Programming Historian role become a conflict of interest in decisions facing the board. If a conflict of interest is apparent, that individual should declare it to the board and may be asked not to take part in a particular discussion or decision.

There are a range of very helpful videos on YouTube that you should consider watching to better understand your role as a Trustee. I recommend the following:

• The Charity Commission, 'The Essential Trustee: Key Points' YouTube (2016) [3:14]
• Scottish Charity Regulator 'Advice for first time charity trustees' YouTube (2017) [5:42]
• PAVO, 'Being a Trustee: Part 1, roles and responsibilities' YouTube (2018) [27:45]
• Carol Akiwumi, 'Trustees and their Responsibilities' YouTube (2017) [8:25]

Development Opportunities

As a trustee, you should always be on the lookout for ways to develop your skill, improve your practice, and consider how to better serve the charity you represent. This may include seeking specific training or encouraging team development in certain areas. If you have an idea for a development opportunity for the Board, please raise it with the Chair or introduce it at a Board Meeting