Bethan Walsh provides advice to improve a charity’s governance in just one year
Good governance is essential to any organisation but especially for charities. Reviewing a charity’s governance can be a daunting task and it is often ignored until a significant oversight occurs. Adopting a proactive approach to governance review can save costs, time and stress in the long run. This month-by-month guide offers a starting point in getting to grips with reviewing a charity’s governance.
Month 1: undertake a simple internal governance health check
- What is the governing document, eg deed, rules or memorandum and articles of association?
- Who are the trustees?
- What are the other interests of the trustees?
- What is the role of the chairperson and other individual trustees?
- What reports are presented to the board of trustees?
- What board sub-committees exist?
- How often are new trustees appointed or elected?
- What skills does the organisation need on the board?
- Is everyone on the board clear about what is expected of them?
- How does the board delegate matters?
Month 2: review answers
Review the answers and list matters that
