News
Board appraisals
Today I was talking to a Chair of Trustees about board appraisals as the board is reticent, as many boards are, whether this is a perceived slight to their integrity, capability or effectiveness, or a fear of exposure to shortcomings. Conducting trustee appraisals is good practice but not obligatory. I have introduced appraisals for all of the charities I have...
#InterimsInAction – D’Arcy Myers on being a charity CEO - Russam
The following appeared in the most recent edition of Russam's #InterimsInAction: Ian Joseph, Managing Director of Russam, sits down with D’Arcy Myers, a seasoned interim CEO with over twelve years of hands-on experience in the charity sector. D’Arcy excels in strategy and leadership development, mentoring, performance improvement, and significant organisational change. He specialises in working with boards and leadership teams,...
My focus over the past few months
I have been thinking about the topics I have been focusing on over the past six months or so. They fall into six areas: 1. Governance and Strategy - Best practices in governance for charities - Strategic planning and implementation - Developing effective policies and procedures - Board development and engagement 2. Leadership: - Leadership styles and their impact - Effective communication and team management - Crisis management...
Spotting passive-aggressive behaviours and its impact on effective teams
Passive-aggressive behaviour is a subtle yet detrimental issue that can significantly affect team dynamics and overall workplace productivity. Anyone managing a team or even an individual needs to recognise and address this behaviour promptly to maintain a healthy and efficient work environment. Having had to address this in a number of teams I thought I would explore how to...
Unlocking the Essence of Social Entrepreneurship
In the dynamic landscape of business, there are entrepreneurs who are driven not solely by profit margins but by a profound sense of social responsibility. So, what exactly defines a social entrepreneur or enterprise? According to the School for Social Entrepreneurs, these visionary individuals or entities operate in an entrepreneurial manner. Yet, their primary aim is to serve the...
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...