It is likely that your governing document will set out duties for your Board member and in most cases this will list the legal duties. 

It is a good idea to set up a Code of Conduct or an agreement with each Board member regarding the standards that you expect from them and what the requirements are of the role they have either been elected or appointed to.  This can include reiterating the legal duties they have taken on by taking up the post but it can also be an opportunity for you to place some basic standards and expectations on the Board members that they are required to meet in order to retain their role.  Board members should be invited to sign up to a Code of Conduct as soon as they are appointed onto the Board and this will allow you to manage Board performance and conduct and if inappropriate behaviour occurs it will also allow you to take someone off the Board if the Code permitts it.

A Code of Conduct could give the Board an idea about what is expected of them in terms of ethical behavior. It could also help them deal with situations of conflict and establish a framework for them to report unethical behavior.  Having a Code of Conduct for Board members allows you to hold them to account. If ethical expectations are clearly conveyed to the Board members, the interests of the organisation are better protected.

A Code of Conduct for Board Members could include the following:

• Length of term
• Time committment and attendance record expected
• Legal duties
• Expenses policy
• Conflicts of interest
• Confidentiality
• Induction process
• Review process
• Insurance details
• Committee details

You can download examples of Codes of Conduct for Board members below.

Downloads:

Developing and using trustee code of conducts.pdf

The trustee network publication on developing and using trustee codes of conduct.

BSAC.Director's Code of Conduct 08.doc

Example: Code of Conduct used by British Sub Aqua Club for Board members to sign-up to.

BSUK BSUK.Letter of appointment - Independent Director_0.pdf

Example: Letter to appoint Board members used by Baseball Softball UK

BEF.Terms of Reference of the Board June 2010.pdf

Example: British Equestrian Federation Terms of Reference for Board members to sign-up to.

CCPR Directors Contract.pdf

Example: CCPR Directors contract or agreement to be signed on appointment.

English Golf Partnership Board Code of Conduct.doc

Example: English Golf Partnership Board Code of Conduct

Rounders England Code of Ethics for Board Members.doc

Example: Rounders England Code of Ethics for Board members

London Youth Games Trustee Appointment Letter.pdf

Example: Appointment letter for London Youth Games Trustee

London Youth Games Trustee Declaration.pdf

Example: Declaration for London Youth Games Trustee