Governance
In accordance with the Charity Commission Guidelines, all registered charities are required to be governed by a governing body.
Making Space is governed by a Board of Trustees through five Governance Committees. The Board and Governance Committees work with the Chief Executive and Executive Management Team to oversee the strategic performance, management and administration of Making Space.
What does Governance mean to Making Space?
• It ensures we are governed in an open, transparent and accountable way.
• It ensures that we adhere to Nolan's Seven Principles of Public Life which are:
o Selflessness
o Integrity
o Objectivity
o Accountability
o Openness
o Honesty
o Leadership
• It ensures that we are compliant with legislation and Charity Commission guidance
• It ensures that we are compliant with Mental Health law
• It ensures that we support and promote the vision and culture of Making Space and our Six Commitments
o Customer focused
o Valuing and embracing diversity
o Working in the spirit of partnership
o Striving for excellence
o Innovation
o We make a difference
How is the Governance structured?
It consists of a Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive.
Where do Trustees come from?
Trustees can come from a range of different backgrounds, experiences and professions; including Trustees who are carers, Trustees who work within the health sector, and Trustees who have experience in the areas of business, finance and human resources.
How many trustees does Making Space have?
There are sixteen positions on the Board and all current Making Space Members are eligible to apply. It is not possible to become a Trustee without being a Member with valid membership. Application can take place at any time of the year and formal election takes place at the Annual General Meeting. New Trustees may be also sought based on identified skills deficits and can be co-opted onto the Board.
How long does a trustee remain in post?
The term of office for a Trustee is three years, after which time they are required to retire and can be re-elected if they wish to stand again. Retirement by rotation takes place at each AGM, with one third or the number nearest to one third required to retire.
What is the role of the Board?
The Board is responsible for monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive, who they delegate to discharge Making Space’s business in accordance with the business plans. The Board ensures there is a clear understanding of the scope of authority delegated to the Chief Executive.
The Chief Executive has an Executive Assistant who also acts as Secretariat to the Board and provides administration support. This role includes organisation and preparation for meetings, producing accurate minutes, co-ordinating the recruitment of new Trustees, and arranging the Annual General Meeting.
What is the Chairman responsible for?
The Chairman is a Trustee elected annually by the Board and is responsible for leading the Board to ensure it fulfils its governance responsibilities.
The Board of Trustees is sub-divided into 5 committees.To ensure an efficient and smooth governance process, the Board of Trustees delegates responsibility for the core business areas of Making Space to five Governance Committees.
• Business & Finance Committee
• Human Resources Committee
• Remuneration Committee
• Quality Standards Audit Committee
• Hospital Managers Committee
Who leads the committees?
Each Governance Committee is led by a Trustee of the Board who acts as a Chair, and is made up of other Trustees and the relevant Executive Management Team lead. On occasion, other officers of Making Space will attend meetings, for example, Regional Directors.
It is a legal requirement for Making Space to appoint Hospital Managers to ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act.
The Executive Assistant provides administration support to the Governance Committees.
The Board & Executive Management Team
The Board works together with the Chief Executive and the Executive Management Team to achieve Making Space’s vision and strategic aims. The Chief Executive is a member of the Board and the Executive Management Team attends and contributes to meetings and events.
Each Executive Management Team member has executive responsibility for a nominated Governance Committee relating to their directorate and will work in conjunction with the Chair of the relevant Governance Committee.