Governance

Governance

Are you looking to improve how your VCSE group or organisation is managed? Do you need guidance on governance? At Salford CVS, we're here to assist you in fulfilling your responsibilities and ensuring the smooth and successful operation of your organisation.

So, what exactly is governance?

Governance refers to how VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) groups and organisations are led and managed to achieve their goals and vision. Effective governance is crucial for VCSEs to be productive, accountable, transparent, and ethical. Depending on their legal structure, VCSEs are overseen by a board of trustees (for charities), a committee (for constituted groups), or a board of directors (for social enterprises). These individuals have specific duties and responsibilities.They collaborate with staff, volunteers, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure that the organisation complies with the law, manages its resources wisely, achieves its objectives, and reports on its activities. Governance isn't solely the responsibility of the board; it's a shared responsibility involving everyone in the group or organisation. Good governance is a source of pride and confidence for VCSE groups and organisations and their supporters.

How can Salford CVS assist you?

Salford CVS offers a range of information, advice, and guidance (IAG), services, and resources to support your governance and compliance needs. Whether you require one-on-one support, training, events, or online tools, we're here to help. Our services include:

1. Good Governance Training

We provide regular training sessions throughout the year for trustees of all experience levels. These sessions offer opportunities to connect with and learn from other trustees. Topics covered include:

  • How to be a good trustee
  • Know Your Constitution
  • How to set up a CIC / Social Enterprise
  • How and when to have a meeting

For details on upcoming training dates and booking, please visit our website. Salford CVS Events & Training | Salford CVS

2. Trustee Recruitment

   We can support you in trustee recruitment by offering:

  • Guidance on creating role descriptions and recruitment packs
  • Advertising opportunities for committee/board members
  • Induction best practices for trustees
  • A variety of trustee training options
  • Trustee recruitment events

3. Board Review and Development Support

   We can help improve your board's effectiveness by providing:

  • Guidance on good governance practices
  • Governance reviews
  • Reviews of legal structures
  • Policy evaluations
  • Compliance with Charity Commission requirements
  • Problem-solving assistance
  • Additional templates to support your organisation

Additionally, we offer customised board development support tailored to your specific needs and challenges. This can include trustee training, board development sessions, and facilitation of planning activities. Simply call us at 0161 787 7795, and we'll be happy to assist.

Additional Resources

In addition to our services, there are various resources and activities available from other organisations that can support your governance journey:

NCVO Governance

The NCVO provides information, advice, and guidance on governance to help you effectively run your charity. It offers practical tips and tools on setting up and maintaining good governance, defining your vision and mission, recruiting and supporting trustees, managing risks and conflicts, and more. Visit NCVO Governance 

Trustees' Week

Trustees' Week, held every November, celebrates the contributions of charity trustees and provides an opportunity to learn more about their vital roles. Learn more about Trustees' Week 

Trustee Support Networks

Various national and umbrella networks offer specialised support to trustees, including:

  • Reach Volunteering - Offers information on trustee roles and responsibilities and how to attract and retain trustees.
  • Young Trustees Movement - Aims to increase the number of young trustees on charity boards and provides a platform for young trustees to share experiences.
  • Network of Women Chairs - Connects women chairs and vice-chairs of trustees to promote best practices.

The Charity Commission

If your organisation is a charity, the Charity Commission offers trustee support and up-to-date information, including the Essential Trustee publication. Visit The Charity Commission 

Other Useful Resources

  • Simply Legal - A guide covering legal forms and organisational types for cooperatives and community-owned enterprises.
  • The Governance App - Developed by the Directory of Social Change, this app provides governance resources.
  • LawWorks - A UK-based charity offering free legal advice and support to individuals and community groups.

We hope these resources and our services help you enhance your organisation's governance and effectiveness. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.