Good governance is essential for the success of any charity and is now more important than ever. Members of boards play a vital role in serving their causes and communities by ensuring the proper procedures and policies are in place to manage their charity’s resources effectively. They provide long-term vision and protect their charity’s reputation and values.

This section explains the principles of good governance, and provides detailed guidance on managing charity resources and how to manage risk. It also provides links to resources on environmental issues.

• Good governance - sets out the basic principles of good governance and links to resources.
• Trustee decision making - guidance explaining the principles that trustees should apply when making important decisions affecting their charity
• Managing charity resources - provides guidance on managing charity resources, including finances, land and property, pensions and investments. It also provides topical guidance for charities in the current economic downturn.
• Managing risk - provides guidance on managing risk to a charity’s beneficiaries, resources or reputation.
• Environmental responsibility - explains why it’s important and points charities to organisations that can help with environmental responsibility issues.