Carrot and stick
21 May 2012
Community isn't led by government, so why wait for it to tell you what to do, protests Robert Ashton....
Founder, get2thepoint
Some things have changed over the last 30 years since Martin Farrell volunteered to help a handcraft charity in South Africa and to do church based youth work in a rough estate in Manchester… and other things haven’t. Back then he wanted to make the world a better place. That youthful vision is still what drives him but now he’s got a wiser head on his shoulders. Working in and with lots of charities, large and small, through his consultancy get2thepoint, has provided rich and challenging experience of how life in organisations can be.
With a son studying artificial intelligence and a daughter about to start a degree in social anthropology, Martin and Korinna, his German wife, are on the edge of a new era of possibilities – jazz, psychotherapy, Buddhism, France, Vienna, travel. Whatever next? A biker since 17, Martin plans on taking the corners for another 30 years – at least. Time Banks are a way to link people locally to share their time and skills. Everyone’s time is equal: one hour of your time earns you one time credit to spend when you need a helping hand. As at November 2005, there are over 73 active time banks with 39 in development, involving over 5,000 participants across the UK who have traded nearly a quarter of a million hours hours.
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Following a visit to the theatre Martin Farrell ponders how much information trustees need to have.
Handing the day-to-day running of a charity over to a new chief executive can be tough for a founder. Martin Farrell says trustees should play a role in administering a tonic.
There's no disputing that trustees donate a lot of time to the charities they serve, but what about money? Martin Farrell suggests ways for trustees to get involved in fundraising.
It may be natural to freeze in a crisis but Martin Farrell says that is exactly when the board needs to act.
Boldly pause and go where no trustee has gone before – and face up to the elephant mess in the gloom, says Martin Farrell.
In such troubled times as these, we're forced to face our demons. Martin Farrell works to rally up the fighting spirit in the sector.
21 May 2012
Community isn't led by government, so why wait for it to tell you what to do, protests Robert Ashton....
21 May 2012
How do you solve a problem like a pension deficit? David McHattie tackles the issue.
15 May 2012
David Davison mounts his soapbox to call for pensions reform.

Attending our one day courses is a highly effective way of ensuring new and existing trustees fully understand their role, responsibilities and liabilities.
15 Oct 2012
15 Oct 2012
15 Oct 2012
19 Nov 2012