Training Course

Essential Charity Governance

Overview

For charities, good governance helps attract resources and use them effectively, ensures compliance with relevant regulations and supports a culture in which the whole organisation is working towards the charity’s vision. Poor governance can result in serious financial or reputational damage, and crucially can damage trust from the communities and stakeholders they serve.

This one-day course gives an intensive insight into the principles of charity governance, including the charity governance structure, the regulatory landscape, effective board operations and behaviour and key responsibilities for trustees. The programme blends detailed technical information with practical guidance on compliance and best practice.

Course costs (ex VAT)
Non-member - £755
Professional subscriber - £680 
Member - £605

A discount is available for registered charities, please email [email protected].

For any related enquiries please contact us at [email protected], or call us at +44 (0)20 7580 4741

Participant Profile

  • Are you involved in the governance of a charity and need to understand the key regulations?
  • Do you want to know why good governance is crucial for charitable organizations?
  • Are you looking to learn how the Charity Governance Code can support good governance in your charity?
  • Do you need to enhance your knowledge of effective governance practices in a not-for-profit organization?

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

  1. A practical understanding of key governance frameworks and regulations
  2. The ability to apply these to your charity or organisation
  3. A detailed knowledge of the Charity Governance code
  4. Down-to-earth advice on compliance and best practice (including charity board effectiveness, appointments, risk management and accountability)
  5. Tools to assess your current practices and suggest improvements.

You will also receive:

  • A delegate pack containing comprehensive course notes and presentation slides
  • A certificate to show you have attended the course
  • 6 hours credit towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • 6 months complimentary professional subscription of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. This includes a subscription to G+C Magazine as well as access to briefings, discounts and our knowledge base.
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Testimonials

"The course struck the right balance between making it understandable for those wihtout a company secretarial background and challenging enough for those that have it, identifying the key differences for charities as compared with the corporate world. I learnt a great deal - thank you!"

"Really enjoyed it. Pleased I attended with a colleague as it will help in making improvements. It was a comprehensive day with some review of existing knowledge and some new information. Fast-paced and pragmatic view of governance."

"The course was informative and interesting. The breakout rooms were really useful, being able to connect with other people was invaluable."

"Hugely interesting and informative. Really appreciated breakout rooms to speak to other attendees too."

Competency framework

This course aligns to CGI’s competency framework: Entry/Emerging
Use the competency framework to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in governance.

Programme

Please expand the dropdown to see the course programme timetable and highlights
  • What is corporate governance?
  • Why does governance matter?
  • The history of corporate governance
  • Governance principles and approaches
  • Governance: Codes
  • Recent developments in charity governance
  • Proportionate governance
  • Behavioural governance

Governance structures

  • Boards
  • Governance structures
  • Principles of delegation
  • Committees

Governance processes

  • Appointment of board members
  • Board performance review
  • Induction; training; and skills
  • Control and risk management

Meetings

  • Information and decision making
  • Making meetings effective

Board Behaviour

  • Board room behaviour
  • Resolving conflict

Integrity

  • Conflicts of interest
  • Probity

Accountability

  • The role of members
  • Reporting and communications with stakeholders
  • Transparency

The Charity Governance Code (the Code) was created ‘by the sector, for the sector’ to highlight good practice and lead on governance thinking.

Course Leader

Claire Robson Llm Fcg Card

Claire Robson

Claire Robson is Governance Director and Data Protection Officer at the Chartered Insurance Institute, leading on corporate and data governance across the CII Group. She brings extensive experience from the charity and health sectors, including senior roles at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and in Information Governance within the NHS. A Chartered Secretary since 2003, Claire holds a master’s in Information Rights Law and Practice and has served as Deputy Chair of the Chartered Secretaries Charitable Trust since 2021. She also works with CGI as an Independent Adviser, Examiner, and trainer in Charity Governance.
Available Dates
8 September 2025
Virtual
Training - Virtual
09:30 to 16:30
From £605 + VAT
11 November 2025
CGIUKI, Saffron House, London, EC1N 8TS
Training - Virtual
09:30 to 16:30
From £605 + VAT