Key Functions of the Board

• To define and ensure compliance with the values and objectives of the company
• To establish policies and plans to achieve the objectives of the company
• To approve and regularly review the annual Business Plan
• To approve each year’s accounts prior to publication
• To ensure payment of all taxes due to the Inland Revenue
• To appoint bankers and cheque signatories and to make clear decisions about staff spending powers
• To establish and oversee a framework of delegation and systems of control
• To ensure that effective internal controls are in place
• To monitor the company’s performance in relation to these plans, budgets, controls and decisions
• To appoint and if necessary dismiss a contractor to manage the pool
• To satisfy itself that the company’s affairs are conducted lawfully and in accordance with generally established standards of performance and probity
• To ensure the filing of statutory returns at Companies House
• To ensure the filing of statutory returns to the Charities Commission
• To recruit and appoint additional board members with relevant skills as necessary
• To manage its own affairs and meetings in an effective, courteous and efficient manner
• To appraise board performance.

Role Description of Board Members Key Responsibility:

• To be responsible for the overall policy, planning and strategic functions of HPT and to meet the needs of customers in accordance with the aims of HPT Main Tasks
• To ensure that HPT complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, Charity Law, Company Law and any other relevant legislation.
• To ensure that HPT applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
• To contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to HPT, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against those targets
• To ensure that there is a clear understanding of the scope of authority delegated to the management contractor
• To safeguard the good name and values of HPT
• To have a commitment to the development of good practice
• To bring a fair and open-minded view to Board discussions and to ensure that all decisions are made in the company’s best interest.
• Avoid at all times any conflict of interest
• Maintain confidentiality where this is necessary
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of HPT
• To ensure the financial stability of HPT
• To protect and manage the properties and assets of HPT and to ensure the proper investment of funds
• To be willing to use individual expertise for Board business
• To take advice from professional advisors as and when required
• To report to the AGM on the affairs of the company
• To ensure transparency
• To maintain good relations with all staff
• To develop good relations with stakeholders, user groups and the local community
• To participate in training sessions provided for the benefit of Board Members
• To carry out all of the duties of a Board Member with due regard to HPT’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy
• To act at all times in accordance with HPT’s code of conduct for Board members.
• To attend board meetings regularly. Board Members – Person Specification
• A willingness to devote the necessary time to the role
• The ability to work as a team and to contribute to discussions at Board meetings and with staff
• Integrity
• Good independent judgement
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness where appropriate to take advice
• A passion for Hampton Pool.

Skills, knowledge and experience

It is helpful if Board members have skills, knowledge and experience in at least one of these areas

• Financial management
• Sports, exercise and fitness
• Legal
• Fundraising
• Marketing and PR
• Computer and IT
• Education and training
• Personnel management
• Health and safety
• Governance
• Community links and involvement
• Children’s work