Good governance is one of the essential ingredients of an effective and successful voluntary or community organisation. Governing bodies lead organisations, working with staff and volunteers to deliver their mission, and on behalf of members, stakeholder and beneficiaries ensuring that they stay true to the objectives, vision and values of the organisations.

Governing bodies set long term goals and strategies, determine the policies by which the organisation will operate and ensure that the group or organisation complies with all necessary legal and regulatory duties.

The governing body is ultimately accountable for the actions and performance of the group or organisation, so it’s really important that each individual involved understands their role and responsibilities and that all work well together with a common understanding of good governance.

In everyday terms we use a number of different terms to describe governing bodies. These might be management group, committee, management committee or Board. Committee members of incorporated organisations (ie companies) are Directors, and committee members of organisations registered with the charity commission are also Trustees.

Members of the governing body are collectively and individually responsible for controlling the management and administration of a not-for-profit organisation. The majority receive no financial reward, but a well governed charity, will provide opportunities for personal and professional development, in return for the selfless time, skills, knowledge and experience that committee members contribute.

Every committee member has a legal duty to ensure that their charity is solvent and well-run, and delivering charitable outcomes, exclusively for the benefit of the public. They are responsible for the charity’s aims and direction, for its property, finances and the employment of any staff or volunteers. They are vital! Without trustees there would be no voluntary sector.

SCVO can help committee members to understand their roles, responsibilities and potential liabilities. We support the Sector from its earliest stages until organisations are well-established and beyond, helping local people to become a formal group, establish aims and objectives, choose the right legal structure and status, produce a governing document, comply with charity law and best practice, satisfy regulatory bodies and produce policies and procedures. And if things go wrong, we’re there to help you to dissolve your charitable group, with its integrity and your personal reputation intact.

The Capacity Building team delivers support to Boards, committees and committee members face to face, over the phone, via our website and through our training programme.

We listen to the local Sector and identify ways to meet your needs. In addition to free services, SCVO+ can offer bespoke support, facilitation, presentations, consultancy and training at affordable prices.

For further details please contact us.