Scheme of Delegation

Introduction

SO 4.2 of the Standing Orders provides that "subject to such directions as may be given by the Secretary of State, the Board may make arrangements for the exercise, on behalf of the Board, of any of its functions by a committee or sub-committee appointed by virtue of SO 4, or by a Director of the Trust, in each case subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Trust thinks fit".

The purpose of this document is to provide an example of how those powers may be reserved to the Board - generally matters for which it is held accountable to the Secretary of State, while at the same time delegating to the appropriate level the detailed application of Trust policies and procedures. However, the Board remains accountable for all of its functions, even those delegated to the Chairman, individual Directors or officers and would therefore expect to receive information about the exercise of delegated functions to enable it to maintain a monitoring role.

Role of the Chief Executive

All powers of the Trust which have not been retained as reserved by the Board or delegated to a committee or sub-committee shall be exercised on behalf of the Board by the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive shall prepare a Scheme of Delegation identifying which functions he or she shall perform personally and which functions have been delegated to other directors and officers.

All powers delegated by the Chief Executive can be re-assumed by him/her should the need arise. As Accounting Officer the Chief Executive is responsible to Parliament for the resources entrusted.

Caution over the Use of Delegated Powers

Powers are delegated to Directors and officers on the understanding that they would not exercise delegated powers in a matter which in their judgement was likely to be a cause for public concern.

Policy Details

See also:

• Standing Orders
• Standing Financial Instructions