Governance

Governance is about the systems and processes for ensuring the overall direction, effectiveness, supervision and accountability of an organisation. It is high on the agenda in all organisations and sectors of the economy.

As VCS organisations are working for social benefit, they are increasingly expected to demonstrate how well they are governed. Good governance is therefore a vital part of how VCS organisations operate and are held accountable. And while trustees have the ultimate responsibility, good governance is not a role for them alone. It is, more appropriately, the way that trustees work with chief executives, paid staff (where appointed), volunteers, service users, members and other stakeholders to ensure that the organisation is effectively and appropriately run and meets the needs for which it was set up.

The way that each VCS organisation governs will depend on its particular circumstances, e.g. the size and nature of the organisation, how long it has been in existence and the culture and values it operates by. The VCS organisations that work with children, young people and families in the East of England can vary significantly (see attached diagram). Each will have its own particular governance framework underpinned by a set of guiding principles.

The National Hub of Expertise in Governance has produced a number of publications which can provide further guidance on the nature of good governance in VCS organisations. These include Good Governance, For Love and Money and Better Governance. The leaflet Why Governance? provides specific information on governance issues for trustees.

The delivery of integrated frontline services to improve outcomes for children, young people and families also requires robust governance arrangements for inter-agency co-operation and accountability within the framework of Children's Trusts. Local authority directors of children's services are responsible for establishing and leading this co-operation with partners - including public, private and VCS organisations - in order to create a shared vision and improved outcomes for children, young people and families. Each local authority will also designate a lead member to take responsibility for children's services.

One other important element of these inter-agency governance arrangements is the duty on local authorities and partners to establish local safeguarding children boards (see Safeguarding section).