Getting started in governance

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Having a good understanding of governance is key to the successful operation of any organisation.  This section provides you with all the essential information you will need.

Governance basics

An introduction to governance

An introduction to the important area of governance and its role within your organisation.

Governance glossary

A glossary of terms to help you understand governance.

Practical priorities for the non profit board

Failure to deal with the essentials can create practical problems in the running of your charity or non profit organisation.

Clarity about purpose and strategy

A good board shares the leadership and direction of an organisation by ensuring there is a clear framework for its work.

Taking decisions and getting work done

Agreeing on who has the right to make which decisions in your non profit organisation and how exactly the decisions should be made.

People: recruiting and managing staff and volunteers

The governing body must ensure it has the appropriate policies and processes in place to support and manage staff and volunteers.

Resolving conflict within the board

How mediation can help resolve board-level conflict.

Managing risk

Identifying and managing risk is a key charity or non profit board responsibility.

Financial responsibilities of the board

An explanation of the key financial responsibilities held by the board in a non profit organisation.

Funding: The role of the board

The range of different funding sources that the governing body needs to consider.

Legal and formal duties of the board

Do you understand what you as a board member are personally liable for and what the charity or non profit’s key responsibilities are? It is essential that you know about the legal position of your organisation. 

Charitable status: an introduction

What it means to have charitable status and who qualifies for it.

Why incorporation matters

Defining incorporated and unincorporated organisations and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Staying within the law

Ensure your organisation complies with legislation and fulfills your obligations to staff, volunteers and the public.

Responsibilities of trustees and board members

Being a charity trustee or non profit board member is a great opportunity to serve your community and help bring about change. It’s a rewarding and important job; with it come certain responsibilities. If you fail to carry out your duties you can be held to account and in rare cases taken to court. In this section you will find information on:

Understanding what a trustee is

How to know whether you are a trustee of your non profit organisation.

The responsibilities of charity trustees

The legal responsibilities of charity trustees.

The responsibilities of company directors

The duties, responsibilities and legal requirements involved in being a company director.

You can find out more about trustees in our Trustees section:

Become a trustee

Trustee induction 

Find a trustee