Trustees

Guides and articles for trustees

KnowHow Nonprofit have some useful guides, information and related resources for trustees. There is also a wide selection of How-to guides, for example:
Governance
How to pitch to the media
How to create and ICT plan
Or visit the website for a range of ‘Ho-tos'
http://knowhownonprofit.org/lab/how-to

Good Governance - a code for the voluntary and community sector

This is a website where you can find out all about Good Governance - it looks well worth a visit.
Good Governance - a code for the Voluntary and Community Sector is just what it says: a
code of governance written by voluntary organisations for voluntary organisations.
The Code was first published in 2005, in response to demand from the sector. It was written by representatives of the Founding Group with support from the Charity Commission. It was championed and promoted by the Governance Hub. The second edition of the Code was published in 2010, following wide consultation with the sector. We have aimed for:
• •a code that is more accessible to a wider range of organisations
• •clearer key principles
• •a focus on delivering the mission
• •a proportionate and adaptable approach
• •an understanding of people and their roles as well as policies and systems
We have also published a summary version and a version for smaller organisations. We are publishing resources to help with putting the Code into practice. Visit the website at:
http://www.governancecode.org/

Website promoting two codes of Good Governance

lOne - ‘Good Governance - A code for the voluntary and community sector', and a second version aimed specifically at smaller organisations. ACEVO worked with other sector umbrella bodies to develop the Codes, which provide a set of practical principles showing how an effective board can provide good governance and leadership. Our last Pay Survey found 74% of CEOs use the Code in their own organisations- so if you haven't used it yet, go to the website at:
http://www.governancecode.org/

Young charity trustees: What you need to know

Just 2.1% of UK trustees are under 30 years of age, so young people are hugely under-represented on charity boards - something which many in the sector want to change. Some of the barriers to trusteeship for young people seem to be the fact they don't know enough about the trustee opportunities that exist and what it entails, or they don't feel they have accrued enough work experience or skills. On the contrary - many charities are crying out for young, motivated people who can demonstrate a willingness to learn and are passionate about a charity's ethos and goals. There are about 200,000 charitable organisations in the UK and one in five is likely to have a trustee vacancy - so there are many varied opportunities available. Becoming a charity trustee offers many benefits. Young people will learn how organisations are run and gain experience in areas such as setting strategic goals, accounting, financial planning and employment practice. Such experience would enhance any CV and give young trustees an edge over other jobseekers in an interview situation. Read more at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/feb/24/young-trustees-need-to-know

Lessons in managing risk in charities

Charity Finance Directors' Group has published 'Managing risk in charities: Lessons from the past decade and a look into the future', which looks at development of risk management in the sector since the first annual survey 10 years ago, and makes recommendations for improving practice. Download the report from:
http://www.cfdg.org.uk/~/media/Files/Resources/Briefings/CFDG%20and%20CASS%20risk%20briefing%20final.ashx

Lessons in managing risk in charities

Good governance codes all in one place

(Vol Resource)
All the Good Governance codes for the voluntary and community sector, from the original 2005 version to the latest one for smaller organisations and its accompanying jargon buster are available to download from:
http://www.goodgovernancecode.org.uk (Note that the site is marked as 'under construction' so the precise links to the guides might change)

At Your Bidding

At Your Bidding is a guide for charity trustees about commissioning and tendering for public services, published in partnership with the Local Government Association. At a time of significant change within the public sector, the guide aims to:
• Provide some context about the commissioning of public services so that trustees can understand the potential implications and impact of commissioning at a strategic level on their charity
• Outline the issue to consider and the decisions that trustees have to make regarding bidding for service contracts
• Describe the steps that trustees need to take to make sure their organisation is tender and contract ready
• Draw attention to key areas for risk assessment and risk management
Signpost to other useful publications, resources and sources of information and advice
This publication is not a detailed technical manual on how to tender. The focus is squarely on the key issues that individuals need to be aware of in fulfilling their duties as charity trustees
http://www.navca.org.uk/publications/atyourbidding

Make your board effective - the role of chairs, trustees, and CEOs

This is from Knowhownonprofit - Calling all trustees, chairs and CEOs! Improve the effectiveness of your board by understanding the roles of the chair, trustees and CEO as well as the purpose and principles of good governance. Plus, do something about those never-ending board meetings. It is an invaluable practical guidance from leading non-profit governance consultant Ruth Lesirge. You can buy ‘Make your board effective' (with downloadable trustee self-assessment tool) from the website. You can sample all their training by watching the first two minutes of any video for FREE. Visit the website at:
http://www.knowhownonprofit.org/studyzone/make-your-board-effective-the-role-of-chairs-and-trustees

Risk management for small charities and new trustees

The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, has produced a web section on risk designed specifically for small charities. Aimed at small or newer charities, and for trustees just starting out, the three pages cover ten useful questions for avoiding problems, simplified risk management for small charities, and signposting for further information/help on topics from charity law to health and safety. Visit the website at:
http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Charity_requirements_guidance/Specialist_guidance/Small_charities/Avoiding_problems_in_running_your_charity.aspx

The risks of becoming a trustee

New from charity specialist solicitors Russell-Cooke is a briefing 'What are the Risks of Becoming a Charity Trustee?' As they say, rewards of being a trustee, and giving back to society, should outweigh any such worries. It looks at the duties of both Trustees and Directors as well as the operational liabilities and insurance. Read more at:
http://www.russell-cooke.co.uk/clientUpload/document/file/What%20are%20the%20Risks%20of%20Becoming%20a%20Charity%20Trustee%20-%20April%202011.pdf

Overview on managing charity assets and resources

The Charity Commission has produced a new, or updated, guidance document 'Managing charity assets and resources: an overview for trustees' (CC25). It is a general introduction to the management of a charity's assets and resources, with a summary of the key points to consider: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Publications/cc25.aspx