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Become a trustee

How to become a trustee who can act for a beneficiary within set limits.

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A beneficiary chooses the people they trust. When Wiremu chooses Hana to act for him, Hana becomes a trustee. A trustee acts for the beneficiary within set limits, called a scope. The scope names the records the trustee may work with, such as the support plan.

Purpose

This guide explains what being a trustee involves and how to take on the role. After following it, you will be ready to accept a trustee invitation.

Who this is for

This guide is for a person who has been asked to be a trustee, or who is thinking about becoming one.

What you need

  • A beneficiary who wants you to act for them.
  • Your own Community OS identity. Read the guide to create your identity first if you do not have one.
  • Your DID, to share with the beneficiary.
  • A clear understanding of the scope you are asked to cover.

What you will do

  1. Prepare your identity.
  2. Share your DID with the beneficiary.
  3. Agree on the scope and dates.
  4. Accept the invitation.

Instructions

  1. Decide whether you can take on the role. As a trustee you act for the beneficiary, not for yourself. You only act with their consent.
  2. Create your identity if you do not have one. Read the guide to create your identity.
  3. Find your DID on your identity page.
  4. Share your DID with the beneficiary. The beneficiary needs it to name you as a delegate.
  5. Agree with the beneficiary on the scope. A scope names the records you may work with, such as the support plan.
  6. Agree on the dates. The delegation has a start date and, if you want it to end, an end date.
  7. Wait for the beneficiary to create the delegation naming you.
  8. Accept the invitation when it arrives. Read the guide to accept an invitation for the exact steps.

What happens next

  • Your delegation record shows the scope and dates you agreed. Status: Active from the start date.
  • You can act on the records in your scope once the beneficiary also grants you consent. A delegation alone does not give access. Consent is never implied by a delegation.
  • Review what you may do before you act. If you are unsure, ask the beneficiary.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: you were asked to be a trustee but have no identity. Fix: create your identity, then share your DID with the beneficiary.
  • Problem: you are not sure what a scope covers. Fix: ask the beneficiary. The scope names the exact records, such as the support plan.
  • Problem: you want to end the role later. Fix: you can resign as a trustee at any time. Read the guide to resign as a trustee.