Are there simple steps that donors can take to assess if a charity deserves to be trusted?
Brendan Lenihan
Managing Director - Navigo Consulting; Board Chair/Non Exec Director PCF approved by CBI; Chartered Accountant; Mediator; Charity Trustee
13th July – Brendan Lenihan, Managing Director of Navigo Consulting, contributes to the ongoing public debate re Irish charities and accountability with a letter published in the Irish Times on 13th July 2016.
Sir
The recent shocking revelations about Console perhaps too neatly reflect the old Dutch proverb – ‘Trust arrives on foot and leaves on horseback’. As donors, what are we to do?
To avoid reticence in giving to the many well-run charities, I suggest donors first take some simple steps to reassurance about their favourite charities. Using the old principle that ‘sunlight is the best disinfectant’, in this digital age the website of every credible charity of any scale should clearly and prominently identify, and give background information on, each of the Directors/trustees. These are the legally accountable people. Ask whether you would give them your hard earned money to deploy. There is little reason not to see full financial statements on the site as well that explain how these people work together to achieve the charitable purpose and deploy your money. This is governance. If you’re still not clear, then start asking more questions.
The website of our Charity Regulator may contain this information in the years to come but surprisingly does not contain all of it today, although the Act dates from 2009. In any event the onus is on the charity to positively reassure the public about its governance.
BRENDAN LENIHAN
I show trustees how to assess & improve governance quickly & effectively | Online Governance Review Tool | Accountant | Former Trustee | Mentor | Problem Solver | Active Listener | UK; Ireland; Worldwide
8 年Thanks for sharing Brendan. Trustees do have a big responsibility and donors/funders/stakeholders need to be proactive in establishing trustee credentials. I often hear though from trustees that their 'professional/technical etc.' skillsets and experience don't necessarily transfer into effecting good governance and relevant training/guidance in this specialist area is required.
Founder and Managing Consultant
8 年Thanks for sharing Brendan. As a professional trustee I would agree with your thoughts. Tim.