Trustees’ Development Programme

About

The Trustees’ Development Programme is aimed at aspiring, new and existing trustees. The programme provides training on key areas that Trustees need to be aware of. Whether a newcomer or a seasoned trustee, the programme is a good starting point or a welcome refresher! This series is essential preparation for anyone intending to take up a charity trustee role.

This is a joint programme in partnership with the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN).

The 2024 programme is now open, details of the three sessions are listed below which include a booking link.

Please note each session is £25 with a discount if you sign up for all three sessions (£60).

  • Joanna Blackman, Wrigleys Solicitors

    Charity trustees hold a position of utmost trust, and have ultimate responsibility for the general control and management of the administration of a charity. With this trust comes duties and responsibilities under charity law that must be properly fulfilled honestly and diligently. This trustee training session is designed to help trustees understand these roles and responsibilities, outlining key trustee duties, steps that can be taken to ensure compliance with these duties, and hints and tips for best governance practices.

  • Adam Halsey, Haysmacintyre

    This session will help aspiring trustees understand the intricacies of Charity finances for non-finance individuals. From understanding charity accounts to budgeting essentials, participants will gain practical insights to help them navigate a key trustee requirement with greater confidence. Understanding this area will allow participants to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to strategic decision making.

  • Nick Donaldson, Independent Consultant

    In this informative session on Safeguarding for charity trustees, participants will delve into crucial areas of the topic. The discussion will look at what a trustees' legal obligations are and the Charity Commission's safeguarding expectations whilst also look at how charities can develop and implement required policies and procedures. This session will also draw on insights from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), and explore the lessons learnt. Safer recruitment practices, including the significance of DBS checks and eligibility, will also be highlighted. Through interactive case studies, attendees will examine real instances of abuse within the charity sector and explore preventive measures. The session aims to equip trustees with practical knowledge and will also provide guidance on additional resources to enhance safeguarding practices.

Our 2021-22 programme covered the following topics:

  • How do you know if your board is making a difference? What should charities measure? How can charities make the most of the data they have?

    Impact measurement and evaluation is all about helping you improve the good work you’re doing. By understanding what's going well, and learning from what’s not, you can take steps to better serve the people and causes you support.

    Read Cheryl’s bio.

  • This session will talk through a trustee’s view of financial reports – both looking at the year end and the more regular management information. We will discuss what trustees may need to know, and what other stakeholders will be looking for. The session will also think about steps trustees should take around future financial planning; and about questions they should have considered to help the financial resilience of the charity.

    Read Richard Hunt’s bio.

  • Safeguarding is often focused on governance, policies and due diligence. The evening will explore how high-quality safeguarding can lead to a dramatic, positive shift in organisational and communal culture. Safeguarding remains the key priority for the Charity Commission. This session will help participants to better understand the benefits that best practice in safeguarding can bring to organisations, communities and individuals. Safeguarding responsibilities ultimately sit with Trustees, and this session will enable participants to understand how safeguarding policies, procedures and implementation ensure their Jewish communal charities can create safer environments.

    Read Shelley Marsh’s bio.

  • Good governance is fundamental to a charity’s success. It enables and ensures a charity’s compliance with the relevant law, guidelines and regulations. Having good governance also enables a charity to confidently work towards it's vision. Hear from Jo as she takes you on a journey through the seven steps of the guide which will help you and your organisation develop the necessary high standards of acceptable governance. The code is in constant review and changes were last made in December 2020.

    Read Jo Coleman’s bio.