VCS Infrastructure Chairs in Greater Manchester

Location(s)

 The group exists an an e-group, with information on governance and trustee issues being e-mailed to the members on a fairly regular basis.  It is hoped that further work, including training events, may be possible in the future.

Details of the first meeting are outlined below. 

First Meeting of VCS Infrastructure Chairs in Greater Manchester
St Thomas Centre ,Monday 24^th July 2006

SUMMARY REPORT OF MEETING

INTRODUCTION

The meeting was part of 6-month project, that aims to develop opportunities for chairs of voluntary and community sector (VCS) infrastructure organisations in Greater Manchester to share information and good practice whilst building working relationships between each other – a process that is already happening at chief officer level across the sub-region. The project is funded by the Governance Hub and is being carried out by Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation (GMCVO).
Against the background and challenges of ChangeUp and new trustee standards, this project seeks to ensure that the chairs of governing bodies acquire the skills and tools to work more effectively alongside their chief officers.
This meeting was the start of the process. It asked chairs to identify some of the chief obstacles to the effective governance of their organisations – and what might help to overcome these problems. It included a presentation about how the ChangeUp plans are being implemented in Greater Manchester and what the implications are for the governance of VCS infrastructure organisations. And there was also a presentation about the new ‘occupational standards’ for trustees and a new guide to good governance – both of which are invaluable tools in the drive for higher achieving voluntary sector boards and management committees. Towards the end of the session there was an open discussion about some of the issues raised and various resources were distributed to help participants strengthen governance in their organisations.
There are between 40 and 50 VCS infrastructure organisations in Greater Manchester, providing generalist and specialist support services to frontline groups. The chairs of all these organisations were invited. 10 attended.

DISCUSSION GROUPS

Follwing presentations on the National Occupational Standards, the Good Governance code and ChangeUp, participants were divided into two groups to identify and discuss responses to two key questions. The questions and answers given, were as follows:
What are the main difficulties in governing your organisation more effectively?

• Recruiting trustees with the relevant skills and generally attracting new board members
• Motivating board members to take an active role in the work of the organisation
• Recognising the diversity of board members’ experiences and working out how best to manage their expectations
• Ensuring that the work of the organisation is relevant to what is needed
• Having to deal with the organisation’s immediate needs of the at the expense of developing strategy
• Operating in a climate of uncertain funding – short-term grants and the challenge of diversification
• Lack of time available to committee members
• Dealing with ‘succession’ – replacing charismatic individuals who leave the organisation
• Maintaing good working relationships with the chief officer

What would help you to lead your organisation more effectively?

• Better access to resources to help chairs and other trustees perform their roles
• Shadow or observe the operation of other boards
• Share experiences/knowledge with other chairs
• Induction for trustees
• Better governance structures – and use of sub-committees
• Training in finance and budgeting
• Better managed board meetings – with timed agendas and shorter meetings
• Make governance more fun and rewarding

The event concluded with an informal discussion between particpants and the speakers. Partipants were informed that further research into the support needs of chairs would continue over the summer before a second chairs’ meeting just before the conclusion of the project at the end of October. Resources, including pocket guides to the National Occupational Standards, the Good Governance Code and Trustee Recruitment, were circulated to participants.

David Sutcliffe
GMCVO
david.sutcliffe@gmcvo.org.uk
August 2006