Our committees

Find out which committees are authorised to make decisions on behalf of the board

The board of trustees can delegate responsibilities to various committees and working groups. This provides the board with assurance that detailed attention and scrutiny are being afforded to important strategic issues.

Although decision-making may be delegated, the board collectively retains ultimate responsibility for all decisions taken. The chair periodically reviews the structure and composition of our committees to ensure they are fit for purpose. 

Finance and audit committee

Monitors the financial health of the organisation and assists the board in its responsibilities for the financial statements. Monitors the wider system of internal controls and practices. including the effectiveness and objectivity of internal and external audit arrangements. 

Read the finance and audit committee's terms of reference (PDF).

People committee

Support the board’s oversight of the organisational people (staff and volunteers) strategy,  culture development in line with British Red Cross values and the fundamental principles. 

Read the people committee's terms of reference (PDF).

Risk and assurance committee

Provides assurance to the board on risks, and that significant operational and compliance risks, including health, safety, security and safeguarding events faced by the organisation are identified, assessed, managed and monitored.

Read the risk and assurance committee's terms of reference (PDF).

Emblem committee

Oversees the framework for use of the emblem and promoting engagement with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on the use of the emblem.

Read the emblem committee's terms of reference (PDF).

Donations acceptance committee

Provides a prompt and effective mechanism for British Red Cross to make decisions on whether to accept or decline offers of donations that have the potential to conflict with British Red Cross’ ethical framework or may pose an unacceptable reputational risk to the organisation. 

Read the donations acceptance committee's terms of reference (PDF).

Investment working group

Exercises the investment powers set out in the Royal Charter on the board’s behalf

Read the investment working groups' terms of reference (PDF).

Movement working group

Provides a forum for discussion between the British Red Cross chair, trustees and chief executive about the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s international statutory meetings.

Read the Movement working group's terms of reference (PDF)