Governance REviews

What Is A Governance Review?

Trustees are responsible for ensuring their organisation is well governed, financially sound and delivering its charitable purposes. Many boards know there are areas they need to improve, but are unsure where to start.

A governance review provides an independent assessment of your current arrangements and a practical action plan to help you move forward. 

This is not an audit, and it is not about finding fault. It is to help trustees understand where they are now and what should come next.

Who Is It For?

✓ Small and medium-sized charities

✓ Christian charities

✓ Churches and church trusts

✓ Founder-led organisations preparing for growth

✓ Boards experiencing change or transition

✓ Organisations preparing for funding applications

✓ Trustees who simply want reassurance that they are on the right track
 

What I Review

Governance Structure

• Governing document
• Trustee recruitment and succession
• Board composition
• Delegated authority

Governance Processes

• Meetings and board papers
• Minutes and decision-making
• Annual governance cycle
• Policy framework

Risk and Compliance

• Risk management
• Regulatory requirements
• Financial oversight
• Safeguarding and key responsibilities

Strategy and Stewardship

• Organisational purpose
• Strategic priorities
• Performance monitoring
• Evidence and impact

For churches and Christian charities, reviews will also include consideration of spiritual oversight and how trustees ensure the organisation remains faithful to its mission and calling.

The Review Process

Step 1
Initial conversation

Step 2
Document review

Step 3
Trustee interviews or workshop

Step 4
Assessment and recommendations

Step 5
Written report and action plan

Step 6
Follow-up discussion

What You Will Receive

✓ Governance review report

✓ Traffic-light assessment of key areas

✓ Prioritised action plan

✓ Quick wins and longer-term recommendations

✓ Optional follow-up support

Typical Areas I Help With

• Trustee meetings that feel unfocused
• Policies that haven’t been reviewed for years
• Unclear roles and responsibilities
• Founder dependency
• Lack of succession planning
• Governance becoming a burden
• Growth creating new risks
• Difficulty evidencing impact
• Preparing for future funding opportunities

Pricing

Reviews are tailored to the size and complexity of your organisation. Most reviews start from £350.

Frequently Asked Question

Do you only work with Christian organisations?

No. While I specialise in supporting churches and faith-based charities, governance principles apply across the charitable sector.

Strong governance isn’t about paperwork. It’s about faithfully stewarding the people, resources and mission that have been entrusted to you.

Let’s have a conversation about where your organisation is now and where it needs to go next.