Handbook summary

What's in the handbook?

This handbook explains what’s expected of you as Chair — from a legal perspective, from the United Synagogue (US), and from your own community members. It also outlines the support available to you from the US’s professional team, so you always know where to turn for help.

​​

This Handbook outlines the responsibilities of the Executive and the Synagogue Council.

For the full procedural details, you can read the US Byelaws at www.theus.org.uk/byelaws, and the United Synagogue Statutes (linked here). These documents set out the formal responsibilities of your leadership team; the summaries in this handbook are designed simply to help you access the information more easily.

​

​Legal background to the handbook

 

The United Synagogue (“US”) is a single registered charity. The US Trustees hold responsibility to the Charity Commission for the assets and activities of the entire organisation under the Charities Act 2011. Individual US member synagogues do not have their own separate legal identity. By law, the US Trustees must act in the best interests of the US when making policies and decisions.

 

The US Trustees delegate certain powers, along with certain legal responsibilities to the Honorary Officers (who may include the Chair, Vice-Chair, Financial Representative, Wardens and Women's Officer). As Chair, it's important that you understand the areas in which you hold delegated authority, and where you may need support or guidance.

​​

Defined Terms

A full list of the defined terms used in this handbook is available here. 

​​