Governance Report

The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the strategic direction and providing leadership to Lifeline. All Trustees have received a comprehensive induction programme and regularly visit Lifeline's projects to talk to staff and service users in order to familiarise themselves with the work and achievements of Lifeline.

The full Board of Trustees meets every two months and met formally on 6 occasions during 2007/08. The Board is supported by three Sub-Committees (Strategy, Finance, Human Resources Remuneration and Policy), which meet on a regular basis to consider relevant detailed issues thus allowing time for the full Board to concentrate on strategic matters.

During 2007/08 the Board (in consultation with Lifeline stakeholders) reviewed the management structure and strategic direction of Lifeline. The result of the review was a revised management structure that will be implemented in 2008/09 and a restatement of Lifeline's Development Themes in the key areas of Services, Governance, Workforce Development, Learning Campaigning and Education (details of which can be found here).

During 2007/08 Lifelines Chair Sheila Lee retired and John Scampion was duly elected as the new chair. The year also saw the departure of John Snape, Laura Keiher and Lynda Brady as Trustees and Lifeline wishes to extend its thanks and best wishes to all those who have served as Trustees during the year.