Trustees’ duties: what are we here for?

Thursday, 29 September 2011 00:00

Reversing an earlier decision after a public campaign, the Charity Commission has judged that the Trustees of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation would not be doing so if they were to sell off the former Prime Minister's home, Arundells. Situated in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral, the house and garden are open to the public but lose £150,000 a year. The Trustees wanted to use the £6m value to pursue the charity's other objects including music and education.

As 4 of the 6 objects involved the house, the Commission decided that Arundells is 'an essential and integral part of the trust's purposes' and that the trustees had not properly looked at alternative ways of generating income. They were urged to work with other heritage bodies locally to increase visitor numbers and reduce costs.

This confirms that Trustees need to consider all the options (including collaboration) when making strategic plans. Selling off your main asset may give you enough cash to see you through the short term, but if the wider purposes of your charity are not being met then you are not acting in its best interests.

For advice on how to continue to comply with your trustee duties please contact our Charities and Schools team on 01392 207020 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it