There is no one universal definition of governance, but it is a word used to mean the management of processes for making, implementing and reviewing decisions in an organisation.
Good governance holds these qualities:
Accountable – the organisation is able to report, explain and be responsible for the consequences of its decisions.
Transparent – the ways in which the organisation operates is easy to identify and understand.
Compliant – it complies with internal procedures, the organisation’s constitution (as set out in its governing document such as Articles of Association or trust deed) and the relevant laws.
Responsive to the relevant needs of the organisation over time, making the most of limited resources in a timely and appropriate away.
Participatory – so that relevant people can be involved in decision making processes.
Predictable – so that the same situations result in the same decisions.
Efficient – to avoid misuse of resources.
ACE governance definitions:
“Governance means being in charge of how an organisation works and what it does”
And
“Governance means all the groups of people involved in the strategic direction of an organisation, working with the executive leadership and providing challenge and support, and importantly holding accountability.”
The Code of Good Governance sets out the principles and key elements of good governance for the boards of voluntary and community organisations. Published 2016, updated 2020.
The good governance code for the charity sector.
To be used in conjunction with The Charity Governance Code, this is a practical tool kit acting as a checklist against which Trustees can note their progress, actions and their points for continuing improvement.
Developed by a steering group with the help of over 200 charities, it is the aim of this Code to help charities and their trustees develop high standards of governance.
This toolkit provides advice on how to develop and maintain a constructive and effective Board for your arts organisation. Published: by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland, February 2019
A collection of some of the most important sample documents, templates and tools for trustee boards from the NCVO.
What makes a good board? What makes a bad one? Where's the line between the executive and the trustees? Join host Kirsty Lang and guests Clare Connor, Moira Sinclair and Gurvinder Sandher as they discuss boards and how to demonstrate good leadership and governance in arts and culture. January 2020
A Charity Commission publication setting out all you need to know formally about being a trustee. First published: March 2012, latest updates: May 2018.
The Charity Commission has issued practical 5-minute guides on the following subjects: delivering purpose, managing finances, conflicts of interest, making decisions, reporting information, safeguarding people, political campaigning.
What is the role of a board director and how should they go about fulfilling their responsibilities?
This resource is aimed at supporting charities to ensure the proper procedures and policies are in place to manage the charity’s resources effectively and, where appropriate, to make changes to their charity. Published: by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland, 2014.
The DIY Committee Guide provides a central point of access to a wide range of practical, user-friendly resources on governance. It also provides clear support for groups implementing the Code of Good Governance for the Voluntary and Community Sector.
Following the publication of the Report on Corporate Culture and the Role of Boards by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the City Values Forum and Tomorrow’s Company have published a guide entitled Governing Culture: Risk and Opportunity? – a guide to board leadership in purpose, values and culture. Published: September 2016.
Yasmin Khan speaks with consultant Stephen Feber, who has been providing creation and production services to the cultural sector for over 30 years, about what makes best practice for museum boards. Published: July 2016.
A framework bringing together the key characteristics helping heritage organisations prosper and thrive. Published: March 2018.
Practical support on governance by NCVO.
Clore Strategic Review of Governance Development Needs 2016/17. Published: August 2017.
This bookmark sets out the ten key points of good governance and also contains a board etiquette that can be adapted. Published: April 2014.
Report on a conference organised by the Cultural Leadership Programme in March 2009.
Success Guide by the Association of Independent Museums on successful governance. Published: 2018.
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