What the Governance e learning unit covers
- 1. Getting started with governance
- 2. Legal structure
- 3 Committees and board
- 4. Compliance and legal matters
- 5. More to consider
In this unit, you’ll be learning about governance for not for profit groups. This can apply whatever the legal structure of your group, whether you’re a charity or not.
We’ll look at what governance means in the context of sport for development groups, and why it’s important – the benefits for your group and the confidence it gives to outside organisations such as funding bodies. We’ll also look at who should be responsible for governance in your organisation.
Later in the unit we’ll cover the options for the legal structure of your group, with an in-depth look at the pros and cons of various structures. You’ll hear from other Sported groups on how they have set up their structure and how it helps their group to operate effectively.
The unit will then take a look at how you can best set up your governing committee, how to recruit the right people to your board and make it work for your group. We’ll see how to ensure the board has a good balance of skills and represents your community. There is also a section detailing the roles and responsibilities of board members, as well as how to ensure that the board is effective and unbiased.
Governance glossary
Technical terms used in the non-profit sector can be confusing. This glossary provides clear definitions to help you understand commonly used non-profit terminology. Whether you’re new to the sector or need a refresher, this resource simplifies complex jargon, ensuring better communication and comprehension. Stay informed and navigate the non-profit world with confidence using this helpful guide to essential terms.
What is governance?
- responsibility for decisions
- ensure legal compliance
- keep financial records
The need for governance exists anytime a group of people come together to accomplish an end.
Non-profit governance has a dual focus: achieving the organisation’s social mission and ensuring the organisation is viable. Lessons learnt in business are directly transferable to the community and voluntary sector, though the profit focus is superseded by social impact and sustainability.
The complexity of Governance is difficult to capture in a simple definition. It is unique to each organisation and comprises a range of management actions. Use the clickable slide to explore governance actions.
Why do you need governance?
Governance has become an important topic, resulting in significant research and investment due to large corporate failures ENRON, Barings, HBOS etc. Corporate governance has therefore been a key focus for improvement over the last few decades. To this we can add more recent failures of governance in the charity sector – in 2024 two well known names fell foul of Charity Commission rules: the Captain Tom Foundation and Naomi Campbell, both alleged to have used charitable funds for personal gain.
Ensuring that your group’s governance is in order allows grant givers, funders and your community to have faith that your organisation is being run for the benefit of your target group.
Scenarios to consider and discuss
Read through these scenarios and make notes, ideally do this with others so you can discuss your thoughts.
Points to note
When you’re ready to feedback, look at the notes and points our governance experts came up with. Use these notes to stimulate conversation and reflection.
A small local football club has recently taken shape, born from the simple desire of three local dads to engage more with their children through sport. What started as an informal kickabout quickly grew as more fathers and their kids joined in, creating a tight-knit group eager to play regularly.
Throughout the summer, they made use of a nearby park, but as the seasons changed, the ground became too muddy to train properly. Now, they hope to secure a more stable place to practice by raising funds to hire a pitch each week. Beyond just a space to play, they also need basic equipment to support their sessions.
The group faces several challenges. Many of the families involved are recent immigrants, and English is their second language, making it difficult to navigate fundraising and charity processes. They have little experience in setting up community initiatives but are determined to create opportunities for local young people, particularly in their deprived area where structured activities like this are rare.
With the right support, they hope to provide a lasting space for children to develop their skills, stay active, and build friendships through football.
Some points to consider
- What do you think the group’s leaders need to find out?
- Does the group need to have a formal legal structure?
- Could the group apply for grant funding?
- What legal considerations do the leaders need to think about?
- What do you think the group’s leaders need to find out?
- Does the group need to have a formal legal structure?
- Could the group apply for grant funding?
- What legal considerations do the leaders need to think about?
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