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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

Why your organisation should get involved in The Big Help Out

Reasons and ways to support the nationwide campaign to get more people volunteering

Volunteering round-up: April 2024

The latest volunteering news, resources and dates for your diary

  • Involving volunteers

Governance round-up: April 2024

The latest charity governance news, resources and dates for your diary

  • Governance

The Voluntary Sector Manifesto

A manifesto for the voluntary sector ahead of the 2024 general election

  • Government and politics

Making sense of the local elections and what they mean for charities

  • Government and politics

Practical support bulletin: May 2024

Resources, events and information on the big issues affecting small charities

  • Digital and technology
  • Business planning and strategy
  • Funding and income

The inside track: May 2024

Our latest update on what’s happening in Westminster and how it might impact charities

  • Government and politics

Volunteering round-up: May 2024

The latest volunteering news, resources and dates for your diary

  • Involving volunteers

Governance round-up: May 2024

This month sees the launch of a consultation on the Charity Governance Code and new charity chair research

  • Governance

General election 2024: What charities should be doing

  • Government and politics

Finding comparisons of software and digital tools

Find some comparisons of software and digital tools used by charities, organisations or community groups

  • Digital and technology

Comparing DIY website-building tools

There are lots of online website builders. Use this comparison page to find the best one for your organisation. You won’t need to learn coding or language programming.

  • Digital and technology

Choosing a content management system or website framework

Developers will make decisions as they build your new website or digital project. Use this page to help you understand those decisions.

  • Digital and technology

Comparing video conferencing software

Use this page to help you work out if you need to change video calling software. You might decide to use different software and tools for different things.

  • Digital and technology

Understanding systems and tools for sharing eLearning

More information on eLearning resources, tools and systems

  • Digital and technology

Delivering successful online surveys and choosing the right survey platform

Use this page to learn about getting good survey response rates, get tips on survey design and compare different survey platforms.

  • Digital and technology

Choosing new software or digital tools

Advice on how to choose digital tools for your voluntary organisation

  • Digital and technology

Using our plan for choosing new software or tools

Use this page to understand why you should plan software selection and how you should approach it.

  • Digital and technology

Setting out your new software project

Use this page to learn about the first steps you should take before you begin to think about new software. They help you set out what you already know.

  • Digital and technology

Working out what the software or tool needs to do

Use this page to help you prioritise the things that matter most to your organisation and the people who'll use the new technology.

  • Digital and technology

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

Developing a Fundraising Strategy (0.5 day)

Learn how to develop your first fundraising strategy. This course is aimed at small to medium-sized charities looking to grow their fundraising offer.

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

Successful funding applications (0.5 day)

Learn Practical tips to ensure you are successful in your funding bid applications.

Webinar: charity trading essentials

Explore charity trading and when to consider a trading subsidiary.

Leading external engagement ( 1 day)

This training will teach you how to raise your profile and the profile of your charity. You’ll learn how to improve your external engagement through network-building, collaboration, partnership development and effective communication.

Tools and methods for measuring outcomes (1 day)

Get an introduction to data collection methods and practical guidance for evaluating your work

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

Recruiting volunteers (0.5 day)

This course will develop your skills and help you use a marketing approach to recruit volunteers

Authentic leadership (1 day)

This practical one-day course for aspiring and existing charity leaders will strengthen your understanding of authentic leadership, so you can lead with integrity and impact