Governance and policies
Our Board of Trustees meets by Zoom on a quarterly basis to review progress against our business plan that is updated annually. The Treasurer produces monthly management accounts, for review between meetings. We also maintain a risk register that is managed and updated by Trustee Angela Sherman. Angela is also responsible for monitoring of and compliance with our policies on behalf of the Trustees. Policies are formally ratified at least annually. Our policies are in keeping with the Charity Commission directives for charities operating overseas and these are reflected in the policies of our (independent) implementing partners in Nepal.
These key documents and policies are available upon request:
Core governance and compliance policies
The Constitution – defining our charitable objects and powers.
Conflict of interest policy – ensuring that decisions are made in the charity’s best interests.
Code of conduct/ethical policy – setting standards for trustees, staff, and volunteers.
Data protection and privacy policy – complying with UK GDPR when handling personal data.
Whistleblowing policy – enabling reporting of concerns internally and protecting whistleblowers.
Risk management policy – identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks (especially those specific to overseas work).
Financial and fundraising policies
Financial controls policy – preventing fraud and mismanagement, covering banking, cash handling and expenses.
Reserves policy – explaining how we manage financial reserves.
Investment policy – governing how our charity funds are invested.
Fundraising policy – ensuring ethical and legal fundraising, including from individuals, trusts, and corporates.
Anti-bribery and corruption policy – meeting UK Bribery Act 2010 requirements which is vital when operating abroad.
Gifts and hospitality policy – managing acceptance of gifts or hospitality to avoid conflicts of interest.
Safeguarding and welfare policies
Safeguarding policy – protecting children and vulnerable adults we work with.
Equality, diversity and inclusion policy – promoting fair treatment for all.
Health and safety policy – addressing risks for staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries (including travel safety and working in higher-risk locations).
Volunteer policy – setting expectations and support for volunteers.
Modern slavery statement/policy – showing how we prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations.
Overseas-specific policies
Partnership/local NGO agreements policy – setting criteria and due diligence for our working with overseas partners.
Overseas payments and funds transfer policy – ensuring secure and legal transfer of funds internationally.
Security and travel policy – protecting staff and volunteers working or visiting overseas.
Humanitarian/emergency response policy – guiding how we respond in crisis situations.
