Civil Society - Governance - Model documents - Terms of reference

Get the most from your audit

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:46:00 GMT

Annual financial audits are expensive in terms of money, staff time, and board attention. Dennis Walsh tells us how to wring the most value out of them.

Social media policy

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:31:00 GMT

A postbag query in the July issue of Governance raised the issue of critical or libellous comments on blogs. In response, we've had legal expert and trustee William Garnett compile a social media policy to help you avoid such murky water.

Model email and internet policy

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:54:00 GMT

In response to a postbag query in the March issue of Governance on the misuse of the internet, William Garnett recommended that organisations should have an email and internet policy.

Audit letter of representation: to sign or not to sign?

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:37:00 GMT

At the end of an audit, the trustees are asked to sign a letter addressed to the audit firm, confirming, amongst other things, that they have told the auditors everything they need to know. Often trustees feel unsure about this letter. Why is it needed? Is the auditor just passing the buck? Is it safe to sign?

A trustees 'how to' guide to loan finance

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:34:00 GMT

In the current economic climate, fear of debt can be understood. But with the right kind of loan, charities can thrive - and have greater control over their future.

A checklist for company secretaries

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 11:56:00 GMT

Prepared by Kirsty Semple.

Model terms of reference – the finance committee

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 10:33:00 GMT

Keeping confidentiality

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 00:33:00 GMT

All charities should have rules as to what may and may not be discussed or disclosed, in order to properly protect confidential information and comply with the law. This applies to trustees as well as employees and other volunteers.

Finance from a governance perspective

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 15:05:00 GMT

Dorothy Dalton outlines the minimum financial knowledge that all trustees should have in order to properly discharge their duties.

An accusation of election rigging

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:54:00 GMT

Charity law specialists Michael King and Alexandra Whittaker discuss the implications for a charity where allegations of election rigging are made.

Latest serious incident reporting guidance

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:21:00 GMT

The Charity Commission has recently updated its serious incident reporting guidance. Here, we break down what you need to know...

Founders: blessing or a curse?

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 15:22:00 GMT

Moving on a founder can be one of the hardest tasks facing a board of trustees. Dorothy Dalton discusses how to most tactfully approach the situation.

Chair's checklist for successful meetings

Mon, 1 Nov 2010 15:25:00 GMT

The chair can make the difference between a successful, productive, stimulating meeting and a frustrating, disappointing, waste of time. Nathan Garber takes us through his checklist for chairing meetings effectively.

Safeguarding trustees' responsibilities for children

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:51:00 GMT

Among the many things that busy trustees have to think about, arrangements for safeguarding and protecting children can be easily overlooked. John Brownlow shares a model document for ensuring this doesn't happen.

Academic qualifications in the voluntary sector

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:12:00 GMT

Knowing which qualifications to pursue, or which are relevant to a role in your organisation, can be tricky. This list from the Cass Business School provides a basic outline of 25 sector-relevant courses to help you make your choice.

Model terms of reference - an investment committee

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:22:00 GMT

Biman Mittra outlines the model terms of reference to keep your committee on track as a major influence in determining the success of your charity’s investment strategy.

Model code of conduct for charity trustees

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:58:00 GMT

Trustees perform a vital role in a charity, holding a great deal of responsibility. This model code of conduct, prepared by Charity Trustee Networks, will ensure both the charity and the trustee are aware of the trustee responsibilies.

Setting up a trading company

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 08:13:00 GMT

Roger Chester offers a ‘how-to’ guide and advice on what to look out for including advice on shared responsibility agreements.

Eligibility and disqualification on trustee boards

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:01:00 GMT

The rules relating to who can and cannot serve on the governing body of an organisation come from different sources, says James Sinclair-Taylor.

Assessing your charity's solvency for Sorp

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:40:00 GMT

Trustees are required make a realistic assessment of their charity’s solvency, whenever they issue accounts under the Sorp (Statement of recommended practice).