Constitution and governance of the NSPCC

The NSPCC is the UK's leading charity -specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.

Founded in 1884, it is the only UK children's charity with statutory powers that enables it to take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse. The society operates throughout the UK and the Channel Islands.

The NSPCC is governed by a Royal Charter and bye-laws which were first granted by Queen Victoria in 1895. It is registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 216401 and with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, registration number SC037717.  The NSPCC is also registered in Jersey (registration number NPO 0588) and Guernsey (registration number CH214).

Within the framework of the bye-laws and in accordance with the Royal Charter, the Board of Trustees "have the sole and entire management of the business" of the NSPCC. The trustees, through the appointment of a chief executive, delegate the running of the NSPCC.

If you require a printed copy of the Royal Charter and bye-laws, please contact secretariat@nspcc.org.uk or telephone 0207 825 2518.  Alternatively download a copy below:

 Royal Charter and Bye Laws (PDF, 180.4kb)

Full Board of Trustee meetings are held nine times a year. Responsibility for reviewing key areas of activity and policy are delegated to committees which report back to the trustee meetings. The committees, with specific terms of reference, can include specialist co-opted members as well as trustees. The current committees are:

Nominations and governance
Reviews the role and membership of the Board of Trustees and its committees and ensures compliance with the Royal Charter and bye-laws.

Finance
Maintains an overview of the financial aspects of the NSPCC's strategy, policies, processes and standards in order to secure the effective financial management of the Charity.  The work of the Committee will assure the Board of Trustees that appropriate management is in place to retain a sound financial position.

Audit and risk
Ensures the adequacy of our systems for quality, performance, risk management and internal controls.  Monitors the relationship with the external auditors and takes an overview of the internal audit and inspection work plan and considers findings from inspection reports.  It also provides formal approval of the Annual Report and Accounts.

Development

Considers the proposed development of new activities in relation to the scoping, testing, planning, financial and other risk implications; including those that arise from entrepreneurial activity with major donors.  Review the learning from Quality Assurance processes (performance management, inspection, audit and evaluation) and from research that impacts on the direction and focus of NSPCC development.  Reviews changes in the external work that impact on the direction and focus of NSPCC development.

Divisional trustees
Promote local voluntary support of the NSPCC, in particular fostering the vitality of the Branches. 

Remuneration

Decides on the appropriate level of remuneration for the chief executive and reviews the chief executive’s recommendation for members of the Executive Board.


If you require a copy of the Royal Charter and bye-laws, please contact secretariat@nspcc.org.uk or telephone 0207 825 2518.