Governance
Welcome to our Governance page. This free page has been developed for non-profits in Cheshire East and includes helpful videos, resource links, and a downloadable policy ticklist to support your organisation's compliance and growth.
What is Governance and why is it important?
Governance refers to the systems and processes that guide your organisation’s direction, ensure its effectiveness, and maintain oversight and accountability. It is vital for charities and non-profits as it ensures legal and financial compliance, builds trust with supporters, and strengthens the organisation’s ability to achieve its mission.
Trustee Roles and Responsibilities
Trustees are responsible for governance by providing oversight, ensuring the charity’s mission is upheld, making strategic decisions, and ensuring financial and legal compliance. They are accountable for the charity’s performance, resources, and overall effectiveness.
Watch the short video below to learn more about trustee roles and responsibilities.
Your role as a Trustee
Trustees make decisions on behalf of a charity and must act as a group, led by a Chair person. Other roles include Treasurer, Secretary and many more. Read more about trustee roles at NCVO below.
Choosing Your Legal Structure
Watch this short video to learn about the different legal structures for non-profit organisations and differences between them.
Choosing Your Legal Structure - Table of Organisation Structures.docx.
Policy Checklist
Have you got the right policies and procedures in place for your organisation? These are the required or highly recommended policies from the Charity Commission.
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Governing Document (your Constitution)
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Safeguarding Policy (for adults and children as needed)
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Conflict of Interest Policy
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Reserves Policy
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Financial Management Policy
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Risk Management Statement and Risk Register
Download our Free Policy Checklist here with links to templates and examples to adapt for your organisation.
NCVO also has a legal compliance check for trustees - free to NCVO members, and membership is free if your gross annual turnover is less than £30k.
How to become a Constituted Group
Are you an unconstituted group? Watch this short video to learn the steps to become constituted. This is often a requirement for funders and to register with the Charity Commission, and is the first step in professionalising your orgnisation.
Live session on Zoom
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Introduction to Trustee Roles and Responsibilities - Tuesday 7th October, 5:30pm-7:30pm on Zoom
WebinarThis course introduces the core responsibilities of trustees; including your key duties, financial oversight, risk management and trusteeship in action. This session highlights how trustees contribute to the organisation and their role in governance.
Purchase£10
eLearning with CVS
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Introduction to Trustee Roles and Responsibilities
CourseDo you know your legal and governance duties as a trustee? This introductory course will guide you through your responsibilities, the different ways that a trustee can contribute to the organisation and the importance of your role in governance.
Purchase£5
Downloadable Resources
Click below to download key governance templates and guides. These are templates only and need to be adapted to meet the specific needs of your organisation.
Reserves Policy 2024.docx
A reserve policy acts to set aside funds to ensure financial stability and cover unexpected costs for a nonprofit.
Social Media Policy and Procedure 2024.docx
Guidelines for staff and volunteers on how to use social media responsibly, protecting the organisation’s reputation, confidentiality, and legal compliance.
Data Protection Policy 2024.docx
Non-profits need a data protection policy to ensure they handle personal data responsibly, comply with privacy laws, and protect the sensitive information of their donors, service users, volunteers and employees.
UK GDPR Factsheet.docx
Short factsheet outlining how to comply with data protection laws, helping you to avoid fines and protect individuals' privacy rights.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy 2024.docx
Policy outlining your organisation's commitment to promoting fairness, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. UK nonprofits need one to ensure compliance with equality laws, foster a supportive environment, and ensure their services are accessible to all.
Bullying and Harassment Policy 2024.docx
Policy outlining how a nonprofit prevents and addresses inappropriate behavior. UK nonprofits need one to comply with laws and ensure a safe, respectful environment for staff and volunteers.
Health and Safety:
Health and Safety Policy 2024.docx
This policy ensures a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors by outlining procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents.
Risk Assessment Process - Health and Safety 2024.docx
Description of the risk assessment process for health and safety. This guide helps you to identify, evaluate, and manage potential hazards in the workplace, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent accidents and protect people’s well-being.
Safeguarding:
Children’s Safeguarding Policy & Procedure 2024.docx
Policy covering safeguarding for children.
Adult Safeguarding Policy & Procedure 2024 .docx
Policy covering safeguarding for adults.
Sample Expression of Concern Form 2024.docx
Template form to report a safeguarding concern.
Sign up for governance updates here
Contact us
If you have any questions or comments about this page, or would like to discuss governance training or support, please contact: [email protected]. We offer bespoke support at £35 per hour for non-profits in Cheshire East.