Citizens Advice Scotland’s board has agreed all 32 recommendations from an independent review of the organisation’s governance that it is publishing today.
Deloitte carried out the review, recommending a new board structure comprised of a balance of external trustees and Bureau trustees with an independent chair.
All trustee appointments should be based on merit, skills, and experience, the review recommended. There should be a robust and competitive appointments process established, whereby all trustees are assessed against clear and objective criteria.
The review recommends establishing clear and strict terms of office limits, which do not allow any trustee to serve for more than a cumulative or consecutive six year period.
The review called for a mechanism to be introduced to allow for a vote of no confidence in a trustee who is underperforming, or in breach of their Letter of Appointment or the Code of Conduct. Such a mechanism should form part of the rules for removing a trustee under the Articles to make it legally binding.
CAS should clarify its purpose as an organisation which provides central support to the Scottish Citizens Advice Bureaux and a direct provider of services, the review concluded. This should be supported with the development of a new five-year strategic plan prepared by the management team and new board.
The changes should be undertaken according to an action plan prepared and overseen by a sub-committee of the board, the report recommended. This transition committee should comprise a maximum of seven members, including the interim chair and a balance of external trustees and bureau trustees.
Deloitte conducted over 200 interviews with CAS members, staff, trustees and stakeholders in preparing the review.
Publishing the findings in full, CAS acting chair Agnes Robson said the board has noted the report and unanimously agreed the recommendations.
“Over the next few months we will consult with our members to understand their views ahead of seeking their formal approval,” Robson said. “This review is about ensuring the structure of governance arrangements at CAS reflect current best practice in the sector. Implementation of the recommendations will ensure that CAS is in the best shape to support the needs of the organisation and the 61 independent Citizens Advice Bureaux who provide free, impartial and confidential advice to citizens across Scotland.”
Access the report here, and CAS’s response here.
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