The Role of Trustee

Edinburgh Athletic Club or “EAC” is a charitable organisation that has been set up to promote the interest in, and the advancement of public participation in the sport of athletics. As we are a charity, we are registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation or SCIO. In order to fulfil our responsibilities we have to have a board of Trustees which per our own constitution must be a minimum of 6 members and a maximum of 12.

The role at EAC is very much an overview, where the Trustee is expected to meet 4 to 6 times a year including the AGM, to review and discuss agenda items as and when they arise. The Trustee board are not involved in the management of the athlete participants which is a role given to the Executive Committee but are in place to make sure that EAC is following through on its obligations to the general membership, officials and coaches. If you like an oversight of the clubs operations.

In summary, the role of Trustee will cover:

• The well being of its membership and ensuring that participation is open to all members;

• That clubs facilities are meeting the expected standards of its membership;

• The financial performance of the club is monitored;

• There are proper lines of communication both internally and externally;

• Whistle blowing….welfare…

• Regular reporting and reference point for sub groups to update.

This list is not exhaustive but it is intended to cover the main headlines.

This is a link to the OSCR website page for Scottish Charitable Organisations which will give you much more detail. https://www.oscr.org.uk/managing-a-charity/managing-charity-trustees/guidance-and-good-practice-for-charity-trustees/

In summary, this is a role that will give the Trustee, insight into the running of an Athletic Club and the obligations that sit with the role. There are various responsibilities but they are largely built round common sense and are openly discussed at Trustee meetings and recorded.

Bruce Anderson, Trustee