News
The Intrinsic Value of Unpaid Charity Trustees: A Pillar of Integrity, Accountability, and Mission-driven Leadership
In the Third Sector, the role of charity trustees is pivotal, guiding organisations towards their missions and ensuring accountability. One notable aspect of this role is that most charity trustees serve without financial compensation. There is profound significance in unpaid charity trusteeship, manifold benefits in fostering integrity, accountability, and mission-driven leadership. Unpaid trustees uphold the values of altruism, preserve...
How to improve your annual report - Charity Digital
When Denise Atkins asked me about annual reports, I was happy to share some of my thoughts on how charities, particularly small and under-resourced ones, can make the most of the opportunity the reports give to engage with multiple audiences on multiple occasions. Here is the article she wrote for Charity Digital. We look at some tips and tricks to help...
The Crucial Role of Sound Charity Governance in Fundraising Success
For most charities, effective fundraising is the lifeblood that enables them to fulfil their missions and make a positive impact on society. However, successful fundraising is not merely about implementing appealing campaigns or leveraging the latest marketing strategies; it is deeply intertwined with the foundations of sound charity governance. Governance plays a pivotal role in fundraising efforts and contributes...
Creating Effective Board Meeting Minutes for Charity Trustee Boards
Effective board meeting minutes are an essential tool for charity trustee boards. These documents not only serve as a record of the board's decisions and discussions but also play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and legal compliance. When done correctly, board meeting minutes can be a valuable resource for trustees, staff, donors, and regulators. I have seen some...
Understanding the Role of a Charity Trustee: A Guide for Charity Staff
Introduction Charities play a vital role in addressing a wide range of social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. Behind the scenes, dedicated individuals, known as charity trustees, are instrumental in guiding and overseeing these organisations. In this article, we will explore the important role of a charity trustee and how their responsibilities affect the work of charity staff. What is a...
The Dangers of Not Putting Theory into Practice
Theory is the foundation of knowledge. It provides a framework for understanding the world around us and solving problems. However, theory is only useful if it is put into practice. When we fail to put theory into practice, we miss out on its many benefits. Here are some of the dangers of not putting theory into practice: We may make...
Maximising the Value of an Interim Leader
During times of organisational transition, interim leadership plays a pivotal role in maintaining continuity, driving change, and achieving goals. To fully leverage the potential of interim leaders and optimise outcomes, it is essential to understand how to maximise their value. I was delighted to join Prospectus at their breakfast webinar: ‘Maximising the Value of an Interim Leader’, where Elizabeth Balgobin...
The importance of media training.
In January I was talking to Ann Wright from Rough House Media about the importance of training your board of Trustees and key staff in media management. In today's digital age, media management is an essential skill for trustees of charities and other not-for-profit organisations. Trustees need to be able to understand how the media works, how to communicate...