Trustees’ Week takes place in the first week of November (1^st – 5^th Nov 21). It is a time to recognise and value the work that trustees contribute to charities large and small.

The Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust was launched as a Registered Charity in 1997. Over the years, it developed to the Partnership Trust we have today. In 2020, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner took ownership of the Charity and have supported them with the Bobby Van and a Home Security scheme for elderly and vulnerable victims of crime.

The Bobby Scheme supports elderly and vulnerable victims of crime by improving their Home Security. This is a free service, and in the last 15 years over 20,000 households have received a visit from the Scheme.

The principal aims of the Partnership Trust are:

1. To improve the quality of life of all communities in Bedfordshire, especially the more vulnerable groups.
2. To support community-based initiatives such as crime prevention, community safety, drug awareness, school liaisons, road safety and accident prevention, whilst working alongside partner agencies including the Police, Fire Service, Local Authorities and other Charities.

While Trustees’ Week is a time to celebrate the invaluable role that trustees undertake, it is also an opportunity for trustees to reflect on what it means to be part of the board which is responsible for implementing good governance in the organisation.

Simon Powell, Head of Victim Care for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said “I have had the pleasure of managing the Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust since April 2020 and have formed a good relationship with the Trustees. Without the Trustees passion and drive the Trust would not be where it is now. I would like to thank all the Trustees for their continued support.”

The Partnership Trust is made up of 5 trustees. The trustees have overall control of the charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run.

Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives. Our trustees make a difference to your local community.

Trustees use their skills and experience to support the charity, helping them achieve their aims. Trustees also often learn new skills during their time on the board.

Trustees have 6 main duties:

1. Ensure your charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

2. Comply with your charity’s governing document and the law

3. Act in your charity’s best interests

4. Manage your charity’s resources responsibly

5. Act with reasonable care and skill

6. Ensure your charity is accountable

To become a trustee, you must:

• You must be at least 18 years old to be a trustee of the BPPT.
• You must be properly appointed following the procedures and any restrictions in the charity’s governing document.

You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified unless authorised to do so by a waiver from the Commission. The reasons for disqualification are shown in the disqualifying reasons table and include:

• being bankrupt or having an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA)
• having an unspent conviction for certain offences (including any that involve dishonesty or deception)
• being on the sex offenders’ register

If you are interested in becoming a trustee for The Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust, please email simon.powell2@beds.police.uk