Ensuring our commitment to strong governance and accountability

PREPT FOUNDATION

TRUSTEE GOVERNANCE POLICY

1. POLICY STATEMENT

PREPT Foundation is committed to strong governance, transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of its resources.

Guided by our core values of Education, Safeguarding, Inclusion, Wellbeing, Community, Sustainability, and Opportunity, the Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the Foundation delivers meaningful and lasting benefits to the communities it serves.

The Trustees are committed to acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries, ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with UK charity law, Charity Commission guidance, and the principles of good governance.

Through effective leadership, sound decision-making, and responsible management of resources, Prept. Foundation seeks to create positive outcomes that empower individuals, strengthen communities, promote wellbeing, and expand opportunities for learning, development, and social impact.

This policy establishes the governance framework through which Trustees fulfil their legal duties, uphold the Foundation’s values, manage risk, safeguard beneficiaries, and support the long-term sustainability and success of Prept. Foundation.

2. OUR VALUES

The Trustees of Prept. Foundation are committed to ensuring that all decisions, activities, partnerships, and programmes reflect the Foundation’s core values.

Education

We believe education creates opportunities and empowers individuals to make informed choices about their future. We are committed to providing accessible learning experiences that develop knowledge, skills, confidence, and personal growth.

Safeguarding

We are committed to creating safe, supportive, and respectful environments for all beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, trustees, and partners. Safeguarding is embedded throughout our governance, policies, and programmes.

Inclusion

We believe everyone should have equal access to opportunities regardless of their background, circumstances, or identity. We value diversity and promote fairness, equality, and respect.

Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. We strive to support healthy lifestyles, resilience, and positive personal development.

Community

We believe strong communities are built through collaboration, participation, and shared responsibility. We work alongside local communities and partners to create lasting positive impact.

Sustainability

We are committed to making responsible decisions that consider long-term social, environmental, and economic outcomes for current and future generations.

Opportunity

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We seek to remove barriers and create pathways for learning, employment, wellbeing, and community engagement.

3. PURPOSE

The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that Prept. Foundation:

• Advances its charitable purposes for public benefit.
• Delivers high-quality educational, wellbeing, food, employability, and community programmes.
• Uses resources responsibly and effectively.
• Protects beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Maintains public trust and confidence.
• Operates sustainably and in line with its mission and values.

All Trustee decisions must support the Foundation’s charitable objectives and strategic priorities.

4. TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of Prept. Foundation.

Strategic Leadership

Trustees will:

• Set the strategic direction of the Foundation.
• Approve organisational goals and priorities.
• Monitor performance, outcomes, and impact.
• Ensure activities align with the Foundation’s mission and values.

Legal Compliance

Trustees will:

• Ensure compliance with charity law and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to the Foundation’s governing document.
• Ensure policies and procedures remain effective and up to date.
• Meet reporting obligations to the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies.

Financial Oversight

Trustees will:

• Approve annual budgets.
• Monitor income, expenditure, and reserves.
• Ensure charitable funds are used appropriately.
• Safeguard charitable assets and resources.
• Review annual accounts and financial reports.

Risk Management

Trustees will:

• Identify and monitor organisational risks.
• Maintain oversight of safeguarding, financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks.
• Review risk management arrangements regularly.
• Ensure appropriate controls are in place.

Safeguarding Oversight

Trustees will:

• Promote a culture of safeguarding.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are implemented effectively.
• Monitor safeguarding risks and concerns.
• Prioritise the welfare and safety of beneficiaries.

5. TRUSTEE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Trustees are expected to:

• Act with integrity, honesty, and professionalism.
• Act in the best interests of Prept. Foundation.
• Exercise independent judgement.
• Respect confidentiality where appropriate.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Support collective Board decisions.
• Promote the Foundation’s values and reputation.

Trustees must not use their position for personal benefit unless specifically authorised by law and the governing document.

6. BOARD MEETINGS

The Board will meet at least four times each year.

Trustees are expected to:

• Attend meetings regularly.
• Review papers before meetings.
• Participate actively and constructively.
• Contribute to informed decision-making.

Accurate minutes will be maintained and retained as official records.

A quorum will be determined in accordance with the Foundation’s governing document.

7. DECISION-MAKING

The Board makes decisions collectively.

Trustees will ensure decisions:

• Support the charity’s purposes and strategic objectives.
• Consider the needs of beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Are informed by evidence and available information.
• Consider financial implications and risks.
• Reflect the Foundation’s values.

Significant decisions will be recorded in Board minutes.

8. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

All Trustees must declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest.

Where a conflict exists, the Trustee must:

• Declare the conflict immediately.
• Withdraw from discussions where appropriate.
• Not participate in related decisions.

The Foundation will maintain a Register of Interests that is reviewed annually.

9. FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE

The Board is responsible for ensuring:

• Proper financial controls are in place.
• Financial records are accurate and up to date.
• Funding is used for charitable purposes.
• Appropriate reserves are maintained.
• Financial risks are identified and managed.

The Treasurer or designated Trustee will provide regular financial reports to the Board.

10. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

PREPT Foundation is committed to creating opportunities that are accessible, inclusive, and equitable.

Trustees will:

• Promote equality of opportunity.
• Encourage diversity in leadership and participation.
• Ensure services are delivered fairly and respectfully.
• Consider the needs of all communities served by the Foundation.

11. TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

The Board will seek Trustees with a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and lived experiences.

All Trustees will receive:

• A structured induction programme.
• Access to key governance documents and policies.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

The Board will regularly review its skills and identify any recruitment needs.

12. BOARD EFFECTIVENESS

The Board will review its effectiveness annually.

The review will consider:

• Governance performance.
• Strategic progress and impact.
• Trustee participation and engagement.
• Skills, diversity, and succession planning.
• Compliance with legal and regulatory responsibilities.

Improvement actions will be agreed and monitored.

13. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

The Board may delegate responsibilities to:

• Committees.
• Employees.
• Volunteers.
• External advisers.

Trustees remain ultimately accountable for all delegated functions.

Delegated responsibilities must be clearly documented, monitored, and reviewed.

14. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

PREPT Foundation is committed to openness and accountability.

The Board will:

• Ensure accurate reporting to regulators, funders, and stakeholders.
• Publish required reports and financial statements.
• Engage positively with beneficiaries, partners, funders, and the wider community.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of charitable funds and resources.

15. APPLYING OUR VALUES

Trustees will ensure that the Foundation’s values are reflected in:

• Strategic planning and decision-making.
• Programme development and delivery.
• Safeguarding practices.
• Recruitment and people management.
• Partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Financial stewardship.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion practices.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

All Trustees are expected to champion these values and promote a positive culture throughout Prept. Foundation.