Eastern and Central Community Trust

Strategic Plan

Purpose

To help fund a better community.

Core Values

1. Prudence in Investment.
2. Fairness and Effectiveness in Donations.
3. Respect for fellow Trustees.
4. Support for management coupled with an expectation of high performance.

Objectives

1. To preserve the capital base in real terms while making maximum annual distributions.
2. To consider each and every application fairly, recognising the individual merit of the application within prevailing social and economic conditions.
3. To achieve a Board environment where:
   1. each trustee's contribution is valued;
   2. each trustee's view is heard and respected;
   3. each trustee acts fairly and impartially.
4. To employ a Trust Manager who achieves annual performance standards.

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Objective 1

To preserve the capital base in real terms while making maximum annual distributions. 

Rationale

Intergenerational equity.

Measurement

Annual audited financial statements.

Strategy

1. Maintain and regularly review (at least annually) a Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives.
2. Take regular advice from professionals.
3. Comprehensively review financial performance monthly.

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Objective 2

To consider each and every application fairly, recognising the individual merit of the application within prevailing social and economic conditions.

Rationale

It fulfils the legal obligation under the Trust Deed but most importantly is absolutely central to the Trust’s purpose.

Measurement

1. Annual Management Certification that every application was placed before the Board.
2. Maintain a register of compliments and concerns.
3. Biennial individual confidential Trustee survey.
4. Periodic survey of applicants.

Strategy

1. Maintain and regularly review (at least annually) a Donations Policy.
2. Maintain a high standard of research, presentation and information regarding each application presented to the Board.
3. Encourage applications.
4.  Maintain a register of Trustee interest and declarations of interest in applications where applicable.

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Objective 3

To achieve a Board environment where:

1. each trustee's contribution is valued;
2. each trustee's view is heard and respected;
3. each trustee acts fairly and impartially.

Rationale

The purpose of the Trust is far more likely to be achieved if the Board operates in an environment of mutual respect and co-operation.  

Measurement

• As to 1 Chairman at his/her discretion.
• As to 2 and 3 a biennial Trustee survey.

Strategy

1. Annually review a Board Governance Charter.

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Objective 4

To employ a manager, who achieves annual performance standards.

Rationale

Management performance is critical to the success of any organisation (Management here refers to all those employed).

Measurement

Annual performance appraisal(s).

Strategy

1. Set annually performance standards.
2. Acknowledge and reward high performance.

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