Menai Owen-Jones CDir FIoD FRSA FIWA PGCert LLB’s Post

The final session in our Good Governance Series takes place on 22 May at our Hull office. We are looking at how governing documents can improve operational efficiency. Whilst this doesn't sound enthralling; having comprehensible, well-drafted governing documents that all trustees understand can save a significant amount of time and trouble. Good decision-making is an integral part of Board efficiency and when everyone's a volunteer, it's essential to have clear rules and procedures to hold productive trustees' meetings. This isn't possible with archaic, out of date documents, and keeping governing documents up to date also discharges trustees' duties as expected by The Charity Commission. Good governance supports trustees and volunteers in carrying out their roles and if implemented well, leads to more effective decision-making. Here's a link for any trustees or charity employees or volunteers wishing to sign up: https://lnkd.in/eycWQsFR

In London today for the board meeting of ACIE - Association Of Charity Independent Examiners. Planning for the next two years was the main focus in particular how we recruit and train new members and how we ensure that charities can find examiners who have the right skills to undertake their role properly. Can we make IE an attractive volunteering role for those in their 20s to support local charities? What are the different aspects of increasing audit/examination and other accounting financial thresholds? How can we better serve our members with resources to equip them well? And as we now are in the final stages of conversion to a CIO strengthening the board and recruiting up to four new trustees is a priority.

As a #Trustee, what do you #fear? At MBS we are often told that something has or has not been done – because of fear of doing something wrong. Or fear of legal repercussions! This week’s A-Z blog is 🅕 for fear. We explore the responsibilities and obligations of the role and help navigate through any worry.    Although sometimes it probably doesn’t feel like it, the trustee role is an honour. Maximise your efforts by ensuring... 👉 You know your responsibilities 👉 Fill in any gaps with learning 👉 Be organised 👉 Maintain records 👉 Calm worries, reduce fear and be confident to nurture the organisation Check out the blog for advice, signposts for learning and more...⬇️                    https://lnkd.in/esaCJu3r                        #MBSBlog #TrusteeTraining #CharityObligations #CharityCommission #MindfulBusinessServices 

This year was my first time at the Festival of Trustees, put on by Getting On Board. It definitely won’t be my last. Well done to the team for putting on so much at a low price. For a bargain £15, I had an early bird ticket to all sessions, which gives me access to recordings for the ones that I couldn’t make. My favourite session was an energetic and joyous canter through “fundraising faux-pas” - how charities undermine themselves and more specifically what trustees in particular can do to support the organisation’s fundraising, and what is not helpful. There were lots of things I could relate to and made me think about how I could be a better trustee. I am not a fundraiser by background, and I’m usually on the board for my accounting or technological experience. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t be a key part of the fundraising effort. And this doesn’t mean shaking the tins or begging all my mates for money - more that if I can speak confidently about what my charity does, who it helps and what we need, and can spot opportunities then I have more chance of opening conversations or helping along existing ones. There were lots of other great sessions about improving board diversity including specific focus on lived experience and young people, with some very inspiring role models to listen to. There was also a pathway for people who wanted to get on boards to find out more. If you're a trustee or an aspiring trustee, you can access the recordings for almost all the sessions for £25, which I think is a bargain.

Any charity trustees I know interested in some advanced training by webinar? A good refresher, plus particular focus on managing your charity through difficult times, reserves, and collaboration. Should be a good one. #charitysector #shmalaw #trustees #charityevent

🎗️ Running a charity or not-for-profit organisation? It can be difficult to understand exactly where your charity fits in relation to external scrutiny and whether an 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 or Audit is required. Emma Houghton has taken to our Not-For-Profit Insights page to explain: 🧠 What an Independent Examination is 🧠 When an Independent Examination is required 📰 Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eZUDwaPP

Just organising the dates for our Adviser training. We are supporting the SAMEE charity with the Steps into Self-Employment programme by offering best practice, practical activities and CPD accredited training to delivery professionals. Next dates are the 13th and 14th of September and we have a comprehensive timetable of activities. Please note that professionals can only deliver the Steps into Self-Employment programme if they have undertaken the 14 hours of CPD training. #sameeselfemployment #stepsintoselfemployment #partnershipworking

We want to share with our local County Durham charities and CIC’s a new fund that has been released… £1000 for young people This funding can be used towards a range of things, including: * Competition fees * Transport costs * Training and Coaching cost * Essential equipment/clothing * Accommodation £10,000 to maintain of grow services This funding can be used towards a range of things, including: * Cover staff time including increasing hours for key activities * Cover significant cost increases for key elements of the organisation’s work, if the cost increase would otherwise cause an organisation to reduce their activities * Develop new services that would add to an organisation’s ability to support local people

In this Advanced Trustee Training webinar session, we look in further detail at some of the key responsibilities for charity trustees and provide practical guidance on some key challenges facing charities currently. We'll offer a more in-depth look at charity governance, including the principles of good decision-making, collective responsibility and duties of confidentiality. It will also cover financial issues, including: ▶️ A more in-depth look at reserves policies ▶️ Managing your charity through these very challenging times ▶️ Ways of collaborating with other organisations https://lnkd.in/ezYXSpes #Event | #Charities | #Trustee | #Webinar | #DecisionMaking | #Financial | #Policies | #Management | #Collaboration | #Responsibilities | #Guidance