Cracking the Code - Case Studies

Are you interested in improving your governance? Find out how other organisations used the Cracking the Code bursary Scheme to improve their governance.

• Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre
• Leicestershire Ethnic Minority Partnership
• Test Valley Community Services
• Volunteer Link-up West Oxfordshire
• West Midlands Faith Forum
• Wirral CVS

Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre

How did Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre Crack the Code? (July 2009)
Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre used the Cracking the Code bursary scheme to improve the way they recruit trustees.

How?
They held an event targeting people with particular skills or experience. The event was widely publicised and was designed to help people explore what being a trustee actually meant. It included an overview of trusteeship, a panel session with trustees from local organisations and time for questions to allow attendees to delve into the detail. They also used presentations exploring the myths around trusteeship and highlighting the importance of good governance, and an informal networking session.

What next?
Not only did Bury St Edmunds Volunteer Centre increase awareness of trusteeship, they also had 5 people immediately register their interest in becoming a trustee. The Volunteer Centre plans to follow up with these individuals and plan to place them on their own board or with local organisations who need trustees. They also anticipate that they have created a legacy of interest in trusteeship and will continue to build upon this through the work of the volunteer centre and further training included their own accredited trustee training.

Find out more about trustee recruitment at: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/trusteebank

Leicestershire Ethnic Minority Partnership

How did the Leicestershire Ethnic Minority Partnership Crack the Code? (July 2009)
The Leicestershire Ethnic Minority Partnership (LEMP) used the Cracking the Code bursary scheme to improve their board leadership and assess the strategic direction of the partnership.

How?
They held a facilitated learning session with the board, staff and key stakeholders. After a period of reflection and analysis prior to the event, LEMP used the day as an opportunity to assess its objects and purpose. Through discussions and analysis, LEMP felt that it should concentrate its work on becoming the BME policy platform for the sector in Leicestershire. Prioritisation has been an important step for LEMP, especially as funding is becoming increasingly difficult to attract.

What next?
The Board and wider organisation are looking at how they now take this work forward and what the decisions made means for their governance. The reflection has allowed them to gain a clearer sense of purpose and reinvigorated the individuals involved in the work. LEMP feel they now have a stronger platform to allow them to take their organisation and work forward and as a result will better serve their beneficiaries.

Find out more about board reviews at: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/trustee-governance

Test Valley Community Services

How did Test Valley Community Services Crack the Code? (July 2009)
Test Valley Community Services used the Cracking the Code bursary scheme to conduct a board review to ensure their governance was fit for purpose.

How?
They held a facilitated board away day which provided the trustees with time to focus and prioritise this work. The board looked at the Code, the Nolan principles and the roles and responsibilities of the board. They carried out a skills audit, to look at what skills they needed to be an effective board. Having established their requirements the board looked at what skills or experience they felt were missing, and how they could fill these gaps either through training or through recruitment new members onto the board.

What next?
Following the discussions it became clear that they could improve their induction processes and they are now undertaking a review of their induction pack. They will also include this information in their trustee recruitment training that they deliver to local organisations. Interestingly, they have also discovered that their board had many skills that could be drawn upon. They will now be tapping into this talent!

Find out more about trustee induction at: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/trustee-governance

Volunteer Link-up West Oxfordshire

How did Volunteer Link-up West Oxfordshire Crack the Code? (December 2009)
Volunteer Link-Up West Oxfordshire used the Cracking the Code bursary scheme to seek legal advice regarding incorporation.

How?
Following some initial training and discussions around the advantages and disadvantages on the different legal and governance structures, the trustees decided that they should consider incorporation. They contacted a solicitor who specialised in charity law who provided guidance and information to the trustees so they could make a sound assessment about the best legal structure for their organisation.

What next?
Following a thorough assessment of the information the trustees have decided to become a company limited by guarantee and are in the process of registering with Companies House. Volunteer Link-Up West Oxfordshire found the legal advice invaluable, and would also recommend that organisations considering incorporation speak to someone who has already been through the process for practical advice and information.

Find out more about legal structures at www.getlegal.org.uk 

West Midlands Faith Forum

How did the West Midlands Faith Forum Crack the Code? (December 2009)
The West Midlands Faith Forum used the Cracking the Code bursary scheme to review their governance and legal structures.

How?
They held a one day governance workshop with their executive to assess the different legal and governance structures. They used a specialist consultant to facilitate a discussion around the various legal and governance structures and what they would mean for the West Midlands Faith Forum. The board were then able to make an informed decision about what would best suit the current and future needs of the organisation, and how this could be implemented given their work plans and resources.

What next?
They have now created a Restructure Action plan and this is now being implemented. They hope that they will be ready to incorporate late in 2010 are now consulting with stakeholders such as funders to get buy-in to the process.

Find out more about legal structures at www.getlegal.org.uk 

Wirral CVS

How did Wirral CVS Crack the Code? (December 2009)
Wirral CVS used the Cracking the Code bursary scheme to train their board on trustee roles and responsibilities.

How?
They held a facilitated development day with trustees and staff. An agenda was produced and agreed by everyone involved in the event before the day. The day included morning training sessions on trustee roles and responsibilities, good governance and the services they currently deliver. In the afternoon the trustees and staff came together to understand each others work and look at the future development of the organisation.

What next?
The board now have a greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and a more in-depth appreciation of the day-to-day work and challenges of the organisation. As a result they produced a learning report which will be reviewed regularly by the board and has contributed to their business planning. The trustees also feel more confident in their roles and this will hopefully enhance the leadership of the organisation.

Find out more about trustee roles and responsibilities at: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/trustee-governance

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