My governance round-up this month is a Trustees’ Week special. The week runs 7-13 November and this year’s focus is on stronger charities through good leadership.
We are really excited to be offering a wide range of support and guidance throughout the week all focused on developing governance and supporting trustees – we are making lots of this guidance absolutely free during Trustees’ Week.
Free and discounted resources from NCVO for Trustees’ Week
- Free access to our new online course on a trustee’s role and responsibilities
- Free access to all other online governance courses
- Free access to our ‘Board Basics’ tool – templates and guidance
- 20% off all governance publications
- 10% off some governance training courses
- Live Twitter chat for trustees to share experiences and good practice on Friday 11 November, 12-2pm – @NCVOvolunteers
- Practical step-by-step how-to guides written by people in the voluntary sector
In this post I also update you on some of the key things NCVO are supporting and doing to support trustees across the week.
New charity governance code
On Monday 7 November we will see the launch of a consultation on the new Charity Governance Code which I discussed in my blog post last month. It’s been fascinating to be involved in developing a new code which we hope will support and inspire trustees to develop effective governance. The code’s steering group are inviting responses to the consultation which will run until February. I’d really encourage you to take a look at the consultation document available on the code’s website from Monday and feed in your thoughts.
NCVO/BWB Trustee Conference
On Monday we will be joined by over 400 colleagues from across the sector at the leading annual event for charity trustees. We are excited about the varied and detailed programme of sessions and our speakers, including: Paula Sussex, chief executive of the Charity Commission; Philip Kirkpatrick, partner at BWB; and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.
If you are not able to join us for the event be sure to follow what’s happening via Twitter: @NCVO and #trusteeconf
Free online resources and online courses
As part of Trustees’ Week we are making all our online governance content absolutely free to access. This includes our recently updated board basics section of the NCVO Knowhow Nonprofit site, which contains really helpful templates and guidance documents such a role descriptions, a risk register and a code of conduct policy.
Also available free for Trustees’ Week are our governance how to guides and all of NCVO’s governance Studyzone courses. This includes a brand new online course on a trustee’s role and responsibilities. All you need to do is sign in to access this free content.
Discounted training and publications
NCVO are offering a 10% discount on all governance training taking place until March 2017. This means you can get reduced cost access to the following courses:
- NCVO Trustee Conference – 7 November 2016
- Charity trustees: Induction and refresher – 12 December 2016
- Supporting Good Governance: Effective board servicing and Governance Administration – 27 January 2017
- Charity trustees: Induction and refresher – 13 January 2017
- The high performing board – 6 February 2017
To accesses the discount please use the code TW10 on the booking form.
We are also really pleased to be offering an exclusive 20% discount on all of our governance publications these include our good trustee guide, good governance a practical guide for trustees chairs and CEO’s and Good Practice in Trustee Recruitment.
These offers are available for all governance publication purchases and governance training bookings made between 4 November and 14 November 2016. Both these discounts are applicable to both member and non-member rates, meaning there are some great saving to be had if you book during the week!
A new training course for governance staff
For some time we have wanted to develop the support and training which we offer to staff who support boards in the voluntary sector. We are now delighted to have developed a new course designed specifically for that group who support governance.
The content for this new course includes: servicing boards, planning the governance cycle, implementing policy and procedures as well as supporting boards to improve and perform.
Supporting Good Governance: Effective board servicing and Governance Administration
27 January 2017
We are offering 10% off this course when booked during Trustees’ Week. Please use the code TW10 on the booking form.
Twitter chat
On Friday 11 Nov NCVO will be hosting a live Twitter chat between 12noon and 2pm. This will be an opportunity for trustees to share their experiences as well as get advice from each other and our experts. Follow @NCVOvolunteers on Twitter to get involved.
We hope you have a great Trustees’ Week and that your board finds access to NCVO’s resources and support useful!
For more regular updates follow me @mynameisdanfran or @NCVO on Twitter.
For updates on Trustees’ Week follow @trusteesweek and #trusteesweek.
Dan is responsible for NCVO’s governance consultancy offer, focusing on governance reviews, board performance and trustee training. He joined NCVO from the National Union of Students (NUS) where, as a long standing consultant, he supported the organisational development of local students’ unions as charities. 
