Grow Your Organisation
Start Up Support
There are many things to consider when starting a new group: What are its aims? Who will be involved? What form should it take? How will it be funded?
SVE offers guidance at every stage, from the initial idea right though to becoming a fully-fledged and viable organisation.
Organisational Support staff can give advice on the way forward: what legal structure is best for your group, the make up of your committee, types of membership structure, recruitment of members and committee members, how to publicise your group, whether charitable status is appropriate... and a host of other issues.
We can also help with the drafting of documents such as constitutions, business plans and policies, and deliver start-up training.
Resources
Good Governance
Governance is the systems and processes concerned with ensuring the overall direction, effectiveness, supervision and accountability of an organisation.
Good governance ensures
- compliance with law and regulation
- that an organisation is well run and efficient
- that problems are identified early and dealt with appropriately
- the preservation of the reputation and integrity of the third sector
- if applicable, that charities make a difference and the objects of the charity are advanced
If you are a trustee or member of the governing body of a third sector organisation you have specific responsibilities which you must carry out according to your constitution and relevant legislation. For that reason it is helpful to distinguish between governance and any other roles you and others may carry out.
Governing is about:
- agreeing the purpose of the charity or other third sector organisation
- agreeing broad strategies to carry out the charity or other third sector organisation’s purpose effectively
- accounting for the organisation’s performance
- ensuring it operates within the law.
If you are a trustee on a charity you may find OSCR’s publication Who’s in Charge a useful guide as it demonstrates the underlying principles of governing a charity well. However it would be useful for any third sector organisation as it demonstrates good practice.
Scottish Governance Code and Checkup
The Code sets out the five core principles of good governance for the boards of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in Scotland. The Checkup can be used in conjunction with the Code to help the board regularly review their governance.
This is a tool to support continuous improvement and strengthen the effectiveness of governance across the third sector in Scotland and covers the following core principles:
Organisational Purpose
A well-run board is clear about the purpose and values of the organisation and how it will achieve its aims.
- Leadership
A well-run board is clear about its role and responsibilities and provides strategic direction in line with the organisation’s purpose, vision and values.
- Board Behaviour
A well-run board, both collectively and individually, embraces and demonstrates mutual respect, integrity, openness, and accountability
- Control
A well-run board will develop and implement appropriate controls to direct and oversee progress and performance of the organisation
- Effectiveness
A well-run board understands its role, powers, and duties, and works collectively and proactively to achieve its organisational purpose
Established Organisations Support
Whether your organisation is just starting up or if your group has been established for years, SVE will work with you from carrying our an initial ‘Health Check’ of your organisation and support you to prepare and action plan going forward.
For further information and guidance around start up, governance and organisational support please contact leestevenson@sventerprise.org.uk or call 01786 430000
