Governance

Governance covers the systems and processes concerned with the overall direction, supervision and accountability of an organisation. This is carried out by the governing body of an organisation which may be called the board, the management committee, the executive committee, the trustees or directors, depending on the structure of the organisation. 

Although the needs placed on individual committee/board members will vary from organisation to organisation, there are some general duties and responsibilities. These include:

  • Ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document (constitution/Memorandum & Articles/Trust deed), company or charity law and any other relevant areas of legislation or regulations
  • Ensuring the organisation specifically pursues the ‘objects’ defined in the governing document
  • Ensuring organisations use resources wisely and solely in the pursuit of those objects
  • Contributing actively to the committee/board giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, set policy, define goals and set and monitor targets
  • Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
  • Ensuring effective and efficient administration
  • Ensuring the organisation is financially stable
  • Protecting and managing any property or investments held in the organisations name
  • Acting as employers to all staff, specifically monitoring the performance of the Manager

Making sure all of this happens means that committee/board members will be required to use the variety of specific skills, knowledge or experience they bring to the organisation.

It’s vital that all committee members/Directors, as a minimum:

  • Scrutinise and question meeting papers
  • Lead and/or contribute to all discussions
  • Focus in on key issues and do not allow themselves to become involved in day to day management
  • Provide guidance for any staff, paid or unpaid, on work activities
  • Commit time and effort to the organisation 

This will require them to have:

  • Strategic vision 
  • Good, independent judgement
  • Ability to think creatively
  • Willingness to speak their mind
  • Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

CVO (EA) Ltd can help you with governance.  Contact us on 01563 574000 for more information.