Purpose of the governance review
The Charity Governance Code recommends that there is an external evaluation every three years to consider a board’s effectiveness. Last year we obtained proposals from a number of potential reviewers to carry out such a review, and selected Compass Partnership as long-standing experts in this field. It was important to the Board to obtain an independent, fresh perspective on the effectiveness of the charity’s governance and the Board’s ways of working to ensure that Actors’ Trust is operating as effectively as possible, so that we make the greatest possible difference that we can.
Key findings
A report from Compass Partnership is available for all members to download from the Members Area. Alternatively, members may request a copy of the report by email or post by emailing hello@actorstrust.org.uk or by calling 0303 223 111.
Overall, the review found that a significant amount of work had been completed over the previous few years to strengthen all aspects of Actors’ Trust’s governance, with the result that governance is sound.
Compass Partnership concluded that there were a few key areas for attention; these can be read within the report. Of particular significance for highlighting to members were the following two recommendations:
- Reducing the size of the Board down from 16 to 12 trustees, to bring the charity in line with the Charity Governance Code
- Amending terms of office for member trustees, bringing these in line with the terms of office for appointed trustees and as is standard across many Boards, to create more stability and continuity for the effective running of the charity.
Responding to the review
The Board of Trustees has discussed the findings and recommendations from the review, and has accepted these in their entirety. Recommendations which have already been implemented include establishing three new sub committees of the Board: Governance & Nominations; Finance & Audit; Investments. Additionally, we have enhanced Board meeting agendas, commissioned an independent data protection report which has been completed, and appointed a lead data protection trustee.
In order to reduce the size of the Board and amend terms of office for member trustees as is recommended, an update to the charity’s Articles of Association is required. The Governance & Nominations Committee and the Board of Trustees have considered this and believe it is in the best interests of the charity to make this update, as ultimately it will allow the charity to operate as effectively as possible which, in turn, means we can achieve more impact in helping people.
The specific changes that would affect members are as follows:
- It is recommended that the number of trustees should be reduced from 16 down to 12, the upper limit recommended by the Charity Governance Code, eight of whom should be elected from the membership and four appointed to bring essential skills and experience that might not be found among Actors’ Trust members.
- The requirement for one third of member trustees to stand down each year should be replaced with trustees serving for terms of three years, with the option of standing for re-election at the end of a first term for a further consecutive three-year term. In exceptional cases, this could be extended for one final three-year term. This would bring greater stability and continuity which is important for the effective running of a charity.
Next steps
The Board of Trustees is happy to receive any feedback or questions members may have on these potential changes. These can be sent by email to hello@actorstrust.org.uk by 9am on 7th July 2026. Alternatively, you can contact the office on 0303 223 1110 if you prefer to provide any comments or questions in an alternative format.
In the meantime, should members not wish to proceed with these changes, we would be required to continue with our current process for trustee elections at our 2026 AGM. In those circumstances, should any member wish to stand for election at this year’s AGM, more details can be found here, with applications required by 9am on 7th July 2026.
To close
We are delighted at how much progress has been made over the past two years, with Actors’ Trust helping more people and in more ways within today’s challenging profession. We accept and respect the findings and recommendations from the governance review and are confident that these changes will enable us to make the greatest possible difference that we can, by improving our effectiveness and efficiency as we continue to move forward. We therefore commend these to our members and invite any feedback you may have.
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