Project Description

NCVO National Trustees Conference

NCVO’s national conference for charity trustees took place in London last month. The two principal topics of the day were an increased focus on the effectiveness of governance in charities and the impending increased regulation around fundraising activities, in the light of unfortunate case of Olive Cooke. (An inquest jury heard that the lady’s personal details had been sold on 43 times to different charities).

A key message is that boards must understand what their duties are or seek outside help if they don’t – ignorance is no longer an option.  Delegates heard from NCVO Chair Martyn Lewis that amazingly there are now over 943,000 charity trustees in England and Wales, but worryingly only 5% are aged 18-24. Initiatives are required to ensure proper succession planning. With the sector facing a £4.6bn shortfall by 2018, his view was that more collaboration and sharing of resources is inevitable.

Meanwhile Charity Commission CEO Paula Sussex told us the Charity Commission has increased its enforcement and regulatory intervention tenfold since 2011. NCVO also showcased their system for improving internal governance PQASSO.

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Elderflower Legal  works with charities, social enterprises, public bodies and SMEs to develop effective contracts and partnerships, manage risks and avoid disputes. Find out more at elderflowerlegal.co.uk