Chief executives and the board – support and resources

The chief executive has a critical role in maintaining a healthy relationship between the charity’s board and its staff, volunteers, members and other stakeholders. The chief executive is also a key source of support and advice to help the board fulfil its duties.

Many guides exist to help the chief executive understand the relationship with their trustee board and to support and develop good governance.

Books like the Good Trustee Guide and the Russell-Cooke Voluntary Sector Legal Handbook can help provide trustees and chief executives with an overview of board responsibilities in a single text. Websites like www.ncvo-vol.org.uk and www.charitycommission.gov.uk provide trustees and chief executives with up to date governance best practice and regulatory advice.

Many local and national support agencies run workshops, events and conferences for trustees and organise trustee support networks.

Guides exist to help the board develop its relationship with and support for the chief executive – for example, Recruiting a new chief executive and mor einformation about the Board.

ACEVO, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations produces many useful publications, events and courses – http://www.acevo.org.uk.