The weekly roundup from VANEL on good governance, charity trusteeship and non-profit leadership. News, information, resources and ideas. Complemented by our monthly “View from the Top” e-newsletter (Trustee Network members only), our “aboutgovernance” online discussion space for leaders and trustees and our @aboutgovernance Twitter feed.
We skipped a week last week, but in the first “Governance Weekly” for 2017 back on 12th Jan, I shared a list of 10 ‘resolutions’ for boards and trustees for 2017. If you missed them they’re here. If you’d like to discuss any of them or how we might be able to support your board on these topics, please, as always, drop me a line. Karl Elliott, Development Manager, karl@vanel.org.uk
Firstly a quick reminder from the Charity Commission to all charities who financial year ends 31 March 2017. You need to file your documents with them by 31st January, so no time to lose. Here’s their reminder, article and information for you.
It’s time for the next “Governance Round-up” from NCVO. Their January 2017 round-up has just been published (here), so worth a look from anyone interested in governance from any angle.
“Brilliant Boards: how to create the best voluntary sector set of trustees“. A quick article from Leon Ward on the Guardian Voluntary Sector Network focusing on board development. Well worth a couple of minutes of your time to read.
“Smaller Charities top the list for consumer trust”. Research has been conducted by the Open University Business School’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) which shows that smaller and local charities are second only to doctors on the list of those most trusted by UK consumers. The research, summary and article can be read here on the CVSL website. A good headline, but quoting from the article – “Charities need to pick up the baton and meet public expectations whilst exuding the passion and belief in their cause by creating effective leaders that, through collaboration, can book the public’s perception of the sector as a whole.”. So trustees – over to you.
Whilst we’re discussing the CVSL, has anyone subscribed to or worked through the courses they have been offering recently?
“Introducing leadership in voluntary organisations” and “Collaborative leadership in voluntary organisations” both appear to be very valuable. We’ve been taking a look, but would be interested in hearing from anyone else who has been getting involved. Let us know.
A couple of articles on the NCVO blog recently are worth trustees and boards considering. We’re living in complex times, so “Stuart Etherington’s New Year letter to the sector” is timely, appropriate and thought provoking. In addition, “Come what may: Preparing for Brexit” sets out some issues and actions for the charitable sector in relationship to Brexit.
The “Charity Governance Code” has been in a consultation phase for the last couple of months, but this closes on 4th Feb, after which the Code will become more solidified with the assumption that soon this will formally replace the older “Code of Good Governance”. So now is your last chance to have a look through the code in some detail and have your say on how it develops.
Governance Training from VANEL
We’re rearranged a number of dates for various Governance training sessions for the next few months, so dates are below and if you are interested in any of these please contact Karl Elliott direct.
“Induction and Refresher Training for Trustees” – for newer trustees, this two hour course covers all the basics you need to know. Tuesday 31st January 2017, 3pm-5pm at VANEL offices, Grimsby. £10pp (£15pp for non-members)
“Technology for Trustees”. In this increasingly digital world, what do trustees need to know and how can they tackle the better use of technology for their organisations? Friday 10th February, 10am-11.30am, £5pp (£10pp non-members)
In addition to these scheduled sessions we can also provide bespoke governance training for your board – bespoke both in terms of content that you need and timing and venue that is suitable for you. Just contact Karl to discuss.
VANEL are in the process of totally refreshing our website pages related to governance, leadership and trusteeship. Start here for an index of everything we’ve got on offer that can support you and keep revisiting as we add content over the coming weeks. If you see anything you need more information about, just get in touch for a conversation.
“The View from the Top” e-newsletter will be out next week, so make sure you, your fellow board or committee members and anyone else interested in governance, trusteeship or leadership is subscribed to receive their own copy by email. Find out more about it here and drop me an email if you want to subscribe. Remember this e-publication is available to Members and Friends of VANEL only.
Lincolnshire Volunteer Card (LVC) training is still ongoing at VANEL, so if your organisation has volunteers (including board/committee members) who would like to participate in this six module training programme then find out more here and book necessary places. If your volunteers are aged under 25 and involved in some way in leadership or are unemployed then it’s even better and the places on the course will be completely subsidised and therefore free.
A quick reminder that we have copies of “Good Governance: a practical guide for trustees, chairs and CEOs” available for you to borrow.
To discuss governance, trusteeship or leadership, or to subscribe to the Trustee Network, please drop me a line.
Karl Elliott, Development Manager
www.vanel.org.uk/governance – for resources and information
www.theviewfromthetop.org.uk
www.youngleadersmatter.org.uk
www.vanel.org.uk/aboutgovernance