Overview
Overview
Working for a charity offers unique rewards, but it also brings distinct governance and compliance responsibilities that can be challenging to navigate. Essential Charity Governance provides clear, practical guidance from an experienced tutor, giving you the knowledge and confidence to shape strong, compliant, and effective governance within your organisation.
What you'll learn
This course equips trustees, governance professionals, and charity leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the core governance frameworks, legal obligations, and best-practice standards that underpin effective charity operation.
Delegates will explore how to interpret and apply the Charity Governance Code, strengthen board performance, improve risk management processes, and embed accountability across their charity. Through practical tools, case-based learning, and sector-informed insights, attendees will be able to critically review their current governance arrangements and identify clear opportunities for improvement.
By the end of the course, learners will feel confident in their ability to advise on governance matters, support compliance, and contribute to a culture of integrity and strong organisational stewardship.
Who is it for?
- Trustees (new or experienced)
- Governance Professionals
- Charity Executives and Senior Managers
- Individuals responsible for organisational oversight, compliance, or risk management
How much does it cost?
Non-member - £755
Professional subscriber - £680
Member - £605
A discount is available for registered charities, please email training@cgi.org.uk.
For any related enquiries please contact us at training@cgi.org.uk, 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:
- A practical understanding of key governance frameworks and regulations
- The ability to apply these to your charity or organisation
- A detailed knowledge of the Charity Governance code
- Down-to-earth advice on compliance and best practice (including charity board effectiveness, appointments, risk management and accountability)
- 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.
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."
People who take this course often go on to book:
- Certificate in Charity Law and Governance
- Charity Chairing Workshop
- Chairing Meetings Effectively
- Role of the Non-Executive Director
- Introduction to Subsidiary Governance
- Board & Committees – how to build an effective governance framework
Useful CGI Resources:
- Charity handbook, 4th edition
- Charity checklists, 2nd edition
- A wealth of further information and guidance on Charity governance practices can be found in our Resources.
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
- 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.