What is governance and why does it matter?
Governance refers to how an organisation is managed and directed. It covers:
- What your organisation can do
- Who can make decisions
- How decisions are implemented and monitored
Strong governance ensures your organisation operates legally, ethically, and effectively, making a lasting impact in your community.
Understanding your organisation’s governance
1. What can your organisation do?
Your governing document (often called a constitution) outlines your organisation’s purpose, structure, and legal obligations. It defines what you can and cannot do and determines which laws and regulations apply to you.
2. Who makes the decisions?
Your constitution outlines who holds decision-making authority, how they are appointed, and how decisions are made. However, it may not cover how your board or committee operates on a daily basis. That’s where training, case law, and evolving best practices become important.
3. How are decisions turned into action?
In smaller organisations, the same people often manage and deliver services. Larger organisations could have separate teams for governance and delivery. Regardless of size, success relies on:
- Tailored policies and working practices
- Robust monitoring and feedback systems
Why governance is crucial
Good governance protects both your organisation and the people running it. It ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards and shows your organisation’s ability to make a positive difference. For registered charities, trustee training remains a legal obligation.
How Salford CVS can help
Salford CVS is a registered charity that has supported voluntary organisations in Salford for over 100 years. Our support is free for members, and membership itself is also free.
We offer:
- Constitution reviews
- Board and committee development
- Impact monitoring and evaluation
- Funding, training, and advice
Our services include:
- Board Development: Self-led or facilitated support
- Crisis Resolution & Mediation: Impartial advice during organisational challenges
- Training Courses:
- How to Be a Good Trustee (or Director) – Quarterly basics course
- Tailored governance training on:
- Managing constitutional membership
- Conflict of interest
- Committee skills
- Embedding monitoring and feedback
- Risk assessment and more
- Other Support areas include:
- Business planning
- Fundraising
- Partnership management
- Running meetings
- Safe recruitment and appointment of trustees, board members, and directors
- Succession planning
If you have a governance issue, we can tailor training to meet your needs.
Request Support
Please email our Development Team detailing:
- Organisation Name
- Your Name
- Contact Details
- Details of Your Request
- Availability
⚠️ Please allow up to 7 days for a response.