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Tools and guidance

Tools and good-practice guidance to help you review, run and improve your board, compiled by NCVO's governance experts

  • Governance

Charity Governance Code

Read the new Code, which sets out principles of good governance for charities.

Governance wheel

The governance wheel is a simple tool that helps boards of voluntary organisations quickly get a sense of how well they’re functioning and fulfilling their roles.

Strategic planning

Information and tools on strategic planning.

Trustee recruitment pack for small organisations

Six steps to follow when recruiting trustees and nine editable documents to aid your recruitment

Trustee skills audit

A skills audit is a useful way of identifying what trustees bring, and the gaps in skills and knowledge on your board. It can be useful when you’re looking to recruit new trustees.

Individual trustee self reflection

Self reflection is an important part of your professional development and will help you to do your role effectively.

Individual trustee performance reviews

Guidance on conducting individual trustee performance reviews

  • Governance

Financial procedures manual

Templates and guidance for creating a financial procedures manual that will provide a framework for managing your organisation's finances.

  • Governance

Before you start

How to use NCVO's financial procedures manual template

  • Governance

Open letter to the chancellor on the impact of increased employer National Insurance Contributions for charities

We’ve written to the chancellor calling for urgent action on the planned increase to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for the voluntary sector

  • Employing and managing staff
  • Funding and income

Trustees’ Week 2024: Celebrating trustees’ dedication and impact

This Trustees' Week we celebrated the role of trustees across the UK and explored the challenges and opportunities in trustee recruitment and retention

  • Involving volunteers
  • Governance

Can we Bank on the Banks? New Report Highlights Ongoing Challenges

  • Collaboration
  • Financial management

Why Investing in Volunteering is Money Well Spent

  • Funding and income
  • Involving volunteers

NCVO Strengthens Board with New Appointments

  • Leadership
  • Governance

Overcoming sticking points in strategy development: A conversation with Sini and Sam

  • Business planning and strategy
  • Impact and evaluation
  • Consultancy

Small Charity Week 2025: New match funding campaign to boost small charities

  • Funding and income
  • Campaigning

New members join Small Charities Advisory Panel to strengthen the voice of small charities

  • Campaigning
  • Governance

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh announced as NCVO’s new Royal Patron

  • Inside NCVO

Key duties of public bodies

Key duties of public bodies for safeguarding children or young people

  • Safeguarding

Key duties of regulated bodies

Key duties of regulated bodies for safeguarding children or young people

  • Safeguarding

Key offences and liability

Key offences and liability relating to the protection of children and young people

  • Safeguarding

Safeguarding adults at risk

Key areas of law to be aware of if you or your organisation works with adults at risk of harm

  • Safeguarding

Overview

If you or your organisation works with adults at risk of harm there are key laws and frameworks to help you with safeguarding

  • Safeguarding

General duties of local authorities

Duties of local authorities to safeguard adults at risk

  • Safeguarding

Key duties of public bodies

Key duties of public bodies to safeguard adults at risk

  • Safeguarding

Key duties of regulated bodies

Key duties of regulated bodies to safeguard adults at risk

  • Safeguarding

Key duties of individuals

Key duties of individuals for safeguarding adults at risk

  • Safeguarding

Key offences

Key offences that can cause harm to adults at risk

  • Safeguarding

Managing people in the charity sector (2 days)

This course will equip managers in the voluntary sector with the skills and techniques they need to effectively manage paid members of staff

Safeguarding essentials for trustees (0.5 day)

This introductory course explains the key trustee responsibilities for safeguarding, following guidance from the Charity Commission

Charity finance skills (1 day)

This course will help people with little or no financial background to feel confident in managing day-to-day charity finance

Good practice in volunteer management (1 day)

This course provides an introduction to the key principles of good volunteer management and how to apply them in your organisation

Project management in the voluntary sector (2 days)

This practical course is specifically tailored to the voluntary sector. It’s designed to give you all the principles and practical tools you need to plan, deliver and evaluate your project successfully

Designated safeguarding leads in charities (1 day)

This one-day training course provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of safeguarding leads in charities in England

Data protection essentials (2 x 0.5 days)

This course will take you through the essentials of lawful data processing for charities and help improve your compliance with the law

APPG on Charities and Volunteering: local partnership working

Join us for a discussion on the future of partnership working between local government and civil society.

Charity trustee induction and refresher (2 x 0.5 days)

This course will give trustees an overview and understanding of charity governance, regulation and best practice

Supporting good governance (4 x 0.5 days)

This course will help you implement structures and processes to support trustees, and ensure systems are aligned with your organisation’s purpose and objectives