Do you need external support?

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You will not always have the knowledge and skills you need from the board. Don't forget you can draw on external support. If you are a charity trustee it is your duty to seek suitable professional advice where there are significant risks involved for example concerning the investment of charitable funds.

Sources of information and support

Sources of information and support include:

Charity Commission

The Charity commission provides a a wide range of publications and has a helpline. See their website for more information.

Local support agencies

Councils for Voluntary Service are local organisations providing support to voluntary and community organizations in their area.  You may find your local CVS is called Voluntary Action or Voluntary Service Council.  There are around 350 CVS, you can find a full list from the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action.

National support organisations

There are a range of organisations dedicated to providing advice and help to charities and not-for-profit organisations. Their services range from websites, publications, training courses to consultancy. Useful organisations include NCVO, ACEVO, the Directory of Social Change, Charities Evaluation Services, Institute of Fundraising, Charity Finance Directors Group, and Charity Trustee Networks. 

Other organisations in your field

Organisations working in your field can be a useful source of support. Perhaps they have encountered a similar issue to you, perhaps they have solutions they can share. There may be an organisation set up to share or provide resources to organisations in your particular field e.g. National Alliance of Women’s Organisations, the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services or Children England. For details of such organisations you can consult the voluntary agencies directory produced by the NCVO.

Professional advisors

Sometimes you will need professional advice e.g. from a solicitor, accountant, or auditor. There are also consultants who specialise in the charity and non profit sector.

If you are looking for external support it’s a good idea to ask around for recommendations.  You can also use directories such as NAVCA’s trainers and consultants direct or NCVO's directory of approved consultants.

Take care however with directories as it is not always clear what criteria are used to compile them and whether any checks have been carried out.  Some universities also offer consultants who specialise in charities and non profit organisations for example the Centre for Charity Effectiveness at CASS business school. 

Have your say

What have you learnt from the governance challenges you have faced in the past? Could you share your experience with others who are just starting out?

Ask questions and exchange ideas on the Governance forum.