Trustees Responsibilities/Liabilities

http://www.governancehub.org.uk/faq_trustees.html

Do I have any personal liability for my decisions?
A conscientious and committed trustee need have few worries about personal liability, but it is important for all trustees to understand their position.

If charity trustees act prudently, lawfully and in accordance with the governing document, then any liabilities (i.e. debts or financial obligations) that they incur as trustees can normally be met out of the charity's resources. However, if trustees incur liabilities or debts that amount to more than the value of the charity's assets, they may not be able to cover themselves in full out of the charity's property, even if the liabilities have been properly incurred. The Charity Commission therefore strongly recommends that trustees are particularly careful when entering into substantial contracts or borrowings to ensure that the charity has the means to meet its obligations.

If trustees act imprudently or in breach of the governing document, the position is different. Further information on this, and other issues, is available in the Charity Commission's The Essential Trustee : What you need to know.

The Governance Hub has produced a guide Reducing the Risks - A Guide to Trustees' Liabilities RESOURCE that aims to provide unambiguous information on trustee liability.