Governance

At Cults Library Trust, we are committed to operating with transparency, accountability, and integrity. As a registered Scottish charity, we are governed by a dedicated board of trustees who oversee the strategic direction and decision-making of the Trust. Our governance framework ensures that we meet our legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities while staying true to our mission of reopening Cults Library and creating a sustainable community hub.

Our Structure

Cults Library Trust is structured as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), which provides us with the legal and financial protections of incorporation while allowing us to operate as a non-profit entity dedicated to public benefit.

The Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees, who bring a range of professional expertise to the project, including finance, law, public service, governance, and community engagement. Our trustees are responsible for:

• Setting the strategic direction of the Trust.

• Ensuring financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of funds.

• Overseeing compliance with charity and community asset transfer regulations.

• Engaging with the community, stakeholders, and funding partners.

• Managing risks and ensuring the long-term success of the project.

Our Legal & Ethical Responsibilities

As a registered charity, Cults Library Trust complies with:
✅ Scottish charity law, regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
✅ The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, under which we have applied for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the former Cults Library building.
✅ Best practices in financial management, governance, and ethical decision-making to ensure we are accountable to our members, funders, and the wider community.

We are committed to transparency in our decision-making and regularly report on our progress. Key governance documents, including our constitution, meeting minutes, and financial statements, will be made available to the public.

Decision-Making & Accountability

Our Board of Trustees meets regularly to review progress, make key decisions, and ensure that we are fulfilling our mission. We are also committed to community engagement and actively seek input from local residents, stakeholders, and future users of the library.

To maintain openness and accountability, we:
📢 Publish regular updates on our website and social media.
📢 Hold public meetings and consultations to gather community feedback.
📢 Provide an annual report and financial statements outlining our activities and funding.
📢 Offer opportunities for community members to join as members or volunteers, helping to shape the future of the library.

Sustainability & Funding Oversight

Financial sustainability is at the core of our governance. Our trustees oversee a sustainable funding model that includes:

• Grant applications to public and private funding bodies.

• Community fundraising and donations.

• Sponsorship and partnerships with businesses.

• Membership schemes to encourage long-term community support.

• Hiring out library spaces for events and meetings.

All funding decisions are made with financial responsibility and long-term viability in mind, ensuring that Cults Library remains a valuable community resource for generations to come.

Join Us & Stay Involved

We believe that strong governance depends on the active involvement of the community. Whether you want to become a member, volunteer, donate, or attend our meetings, your support helps keep the Trust accountable and ensures the library is built around community needs.

For more details about our governance policies, upcoming meetings, or ways to get involved, please contact us.

📚 Together, we can build a sustainable, community-led library for Cults and Lower Deeside.

Governance Documents 

To see our governance documents please click here.