What is Governance?

More general information about the concept and philosophy of governance, ranging form simple definitions and explanations to more advanced explorations.

Wikipedia - Governance

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governance

For an exploration of the wider concept of governance, different definitions and how it applies in the corporate and political world with many links to other articles and sites, visit the Wikipedia entry on the subject:

‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ – The Nolan Commission

http://www.public-standards.gov.uk/about_us/the_seven_principles_of_life.aspx

The ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’, were set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, set up in 1994 by the then Prime Minister John Major to ‘ensure the highest standards of propriety in public life’. They are often referred to as the ‘Nolan Principles’ after its first Chair, Lord Nolan and the committee believes they should apply to all in the public service. These principles have since been widely applied in many organisations, are found in many trustee role descriptions and have informed the Governance Hub’s ‘Code of Good Governance’

Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action –Good Governance: A Guide

http://www.nicva.org/index.cfm/section/publications/key/954BF41F-B0D0-7815-0F4FD270FB6F35A0

The Introduction and Background chapter is particularly good at explaining how governance has come to be such an important issue in recent years and the guide itself is comprehensive and yet also very readable. The Resource Pack is also useful. Again, bear in mind Northern Ireland charity law may differ from that in England and Wales

Chapters

Introduction and background
What is this guide For?
Key issues in governance and good practice
Guarding against liability
Trusteeship - the benefits
Development and Training for Boards
Maintaining a Healthy Board
Conclusions

Resource Pack:

Setting up a Voluntary Organisation
Choosing an Appropriate Legal Structure
Notes on Seeking Charitable Status
Notes on Board Duties, Roles and Procedures
Planning and Running Meetings
Charity Trustees' Responsibilities in NI
Charitable Companies
Appendix

Governance Briefing

http://www.volresource.org.uk/briefing/govern.htm

Good general article giving an overview of the subject, how it links into other areas, a checklist for trustees/ committee members and links to other resources

Wales Council for Voluntary Action - Trustees and Governance Site

http://www.trusteewales.org.uk/

‘This website aims to assist existing trustees, and those who are thinking of volunteering for such a role, to better understand and discharge their governance obligations. It provides both quick reference and more in depth guidance, as well as information on a host of useful resources including the facility to exchange information with fellow trustees…’

Why is Governance Important?

http://www.trusteewales.org.uk/welcome/why-is-governance-important

Short explanatory piece with links below to other sections including latest news, guidance, training and events, opportunities and a trustee forum.

Wales Council for Voluntary Action – ‘Trustee’ Information Sheets

http://www.trusteewales.org.uk/guidance/governance-gateway/trustees-and-governing-body-members

One of the general areas covered here is ‘Governance theories and principles’ and Information sheet 5.1 is entitled ‘Principles of governance’

Office for Public Management -
Independent Commission on Good Governance in Public Services - Good Governance Standard for Public Services.

http://www.opm.co.uk/resources/titles.shtml

Follow the link to download the Good Governance Standard

Applicable to voluntary sector contractors that serve the public

Richmond Council for Voluntary Services - Governance Fact Sheets

http://www.richmondcvs.org.uk/governance.html

Short, readable summaries on key areas, including ‘What is Governance?’

Johnson Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University (USA) Nonprofit Good Practice Guide - Governance

http://www.npgoodpractice.org/Topics/Governance/Default.aspx

American university site with wide range of resources on general non-profit governance issues for non-profit organisations.

‘Governance plays the central role in setting policy and providing oversight in a nonprofit organization. As nonprofits continue to grow in both size and importance, it is increasingly vital for board members to understand their evolving role and the importance of their contributions to successfully accomplishing an organizations mission. This topic area includes resources such as board recruitment, ethical board governance, and types of governance models.’

The Institute On Governance is a Canadian not-for-profit organisation
which ‘…explores, shares, and promotes the concept of good governance… and helps put it into practice’.

http://www.iog.ca/

The site has many publications on the concept and principles of governance, learning toolkits and sample policies available for download, although most of these are probably more for those with some experience in the area.