ROUNDABOUT’S GOVERNANCE

At a time when trust in the charitable sector is being rocked by the bad or suspect practices of a small number of charities, we think it is worth stating the premises on which Roundabout is governed, and the reasons why we believe the charity to be one of the thousands that function effectively and with integrity.

Roundabout was founded in November 1985 and became a registered charity in July 1987, under a Declaration of Trust. This document established our aims and objectives, and our governing framework.

Roundabout is managed by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly to receive full reports from the charity’s senior staff.

Recruitment to the Board of Trustees is based on identified needs and the replacement of any retiring Trustee. Because Roundabout works with a wide range of disadvantaged and vulnerable people, it is not possible to reflect that diversity within the Board. Nor is it possible to have past or present beneficiaries as Trustees, because it would be contrary to the confidential nature of their therapeutic relationship with Roundabout. That said, we try to ensure that the Board of Trustees reflects the interests and needs of different client groups.

After a comprehensive induction, Trustees meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. The Trustees’ combined expertise supplements the input of the staff team, to whom day-to-day management is delegated.

Our financial controls involve monthly bank reconciliations, reviewed by the Treasurer, quarterly management budgets prepared for the trustees by the finance Administrator and the Project Directors, and an independent examination of our accounts. We maintain full financial records, and apply all restricted funds according to their purpose.

The work of the charity is underpinned by a comprehensive range of policies and procedures (please contact the Croydon office for full details), by the rigorous ethical ethos of the dramatherapists, and by strong internal and external partnerships. Roundabout also works within the guidance of the policies and procedures of the organisations where our projects take place.

We believe that the consistent support of some of the largest and most exacting funders in the field demonstrates Roundabout’s robust and effective governance. These funders include: City Bridge Trust, the Big Lottery Fund, and BBC Children in Need.

Underpinning our governance and the ethos of the organisation are a number of key factors:

The partnerships it forges with the organisations which host the 50 weekly dramatherapy projects we facilitate yearly. This ensures our dramatherapy projects achieve the maximum benefits for service users and are constantly monitored by other professionals and concerned individuals.

Our personnel and the quality of our communication.This is largely due to the nature of the training in dramatherapy, which is re-enforced on a continuous basis through work with clients and through clinical supervision within the team.

Roundabout’s Management Committee, which has several long-term experienced members with a range of important skills that support the work of the charity, and includes new Board members, bringing fresh insights and new skills.

As well as new trustees, we have three new patrons, all rising theatrical talents.

Our strength also comes from:

• Meeting funders requirements. Leading the arts therapies community in evaluation – having developed an evaluation form that is now used across the country.
• Ensuring all our team benefit from Continuing Professional Development.
• Engendering long-term loyalty in stake-holders, including clients and staff
• Maintaining complete awareness of our financial position.

Read more about our trustees involvement click here to view interviews with them.

To see former trustees click here