The professional governance body ICSA has announced the launch of a new charity governance certificate for trustees and charity leaders.

The Certificate in Charity Law and Governance is aimed at people working in the sector whose roles are affected by legal regulation and governance issues.

ICSA’s head of not-for-profit policy, Louise Thomson said the course was launched partly as a result of charity scandals over the summer.

“The downfall of Kids Company and the financial collapse of the British Association of Adoption and Fostering demonstrate a need for charities to ensure that their governance is robust," she said.

"Whatever the size of a charity, it is essential that the appropriate management and governance procedures are undertaken if funds are to be managed properly to ensure the sustainability of an organisation and maintain the public’s confidence that recourses are spent on achieving the charity’s aims.

“Having someone on the board of a charity who is properly trained in governance can help enormously,” she said.

The course is made up of six modules: charity law, structures and legal forms, compliance and regulation, governance, sources of income and stewardship of funds and assets. It will take approximately 9-12 months or 300 hours of study to complete. 

Director of policy for the Charity Commission, Sarah Atkinson said: “Recent high profile events in the charity sector continue to highlight that all trustees and those who support or advise them need a clear understanding of trustee duties to help avoid some of the common mistakes that often befall charities.

“Trustees of larger or more complex charities, and professional advisors, might also consider the potential benefits of a recognised qualification in charity law and governance.” 

The course is available from January 2016.