Governance sounds a bit dry and boring but it is an area of crucial importance for any organisation. How is the Hill CDT Ltd governed?

The Hill CDT Ltd is registered with Companies House as a company limited by guarantee with charitable aims. Formed in September 2000 the Trust has a board of directors made up of:

Up to 10 Members - who come from the community

Up to 10 Representatives - who come from organisations named in our constitution, and

Up to 5 Specials - who are individuals with knowledge, skills and abilities which add value to the board, one of whom is nominated as Chairperson.

The role of the directors is to ensure the company is run properly, in full accordance with the law and in good faith. Directors have to act for the best interests of the company. Directors are also responsible to Companies House for the submission of relevant information including annual accounts and an annual return (a list of all current directors and the company secretary) and notice of changes in the personal details of directors or the company secretary.

Responsibility for day to day operations is passed to the CEO/C1st Co-ordinator/ Company Secretary and this person is line managed by the Chairperson.

In addition, HCDT is also acknowledged as the Communities First Partnership for Townhill and in this context directors are joined by advisors from a range of organisations to help support the Communities First work programme.

SUB COMMITTEES

HCDT benefits from having a number of sub committees to support the concentrated focus on specific aspects of our work. These include Finance, Human Resources, Planning and Strategy and we also have an open access Community Forum.

MEETINGS

The HCDT Partnership Board meets every month with the first hour dedicated to Communities First Townhill and the second to Trust business. The focus here is on scrutinising the work of the Trust through activity reports, usage and financial reports. Preparation is the key and officers expect to be thoroughly questioned by the board.

Sub committee meetings are held when they are required.

Each year we have an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where formal reports and audited accounts are presented to members of the company.