Press Release

Governance that works; Leadership that inspires

6 October 2008

In a year in which several charities have reviewed the size of their trustee boards and the failure of governance structures in the private sector is criticised, everyone is talking about the need for good governance across the voluntary sector.

Should trustees of charities be paid for the work they do? What additional challenges do we face now that state funding accounts for nearly half of the sector's income? How can we ensure public trust, transparency and confidence in the sector? These are just some of the topics up for discussion at the NCVO and OnBoard Annual Trustee conference, on Monday 6 October, at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, EC1.
The NCVO and OnBoard Trustee Conference is the largest and most important annual event for those who sit on, or work with, voluntary sector boards.  The conference coincides with publication of the new, revised Trustee Guide, now in its second edition.

This year’s conference will look at a variety of approaches to improving board effectiveness, providing delegates with a broad overview of the key issues affecting boards, and examining fresh strategies and insights on governance, as well as updating delegates on recent developments and trends.

Delegates to the conference will:
•    gain the latest information on financial and legal changes affecting trustee boards
•    receive practical advice, tips and solutions to a wide range of governance issues
•    explore current thinking on best practice in trusteeship
•    track current and projected trends in the sector

Speakers include:

Sir David Henshaw, Chair of NHS North West
Craig Dearden-Philips, Founder and CEO of Speaking Up
Baroness Julia Neuberger, DBE
Bonnie Greer, columnist, poet and award-winning writer
Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive, NCVO, said:

“This year’s conference looks set to provide a platform for exciting and stimulating debate around policy on good governance and trusteeship within the sector.

“Revising the structure of charity trustee boards is bound to make for a lively debate.

“We strongly believe that trustees in the voluntary sector should be volunteers because the voluntary principle is both an asset and is compatible with good administration and should be retained.”
The conference features a range of interactive workshops for delegates in the morning and afternoon, followed by a drinks reception, between 5-7pm.