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01. Policies & procedures
Having robust policies and procedures in place is essential for the smooth running of your organisation. They provide clarity, consistency, and accountability, helping you manage risks and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Key areas to prioritise include:
- Safeguarding and protecting vulnerable beneficiaries
- Health and safety
- Data protection and privacy
- Financial management and controls
- Employment and volunteering
Regularly review and update your policies and procedures to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Our free online Healthcheck Tool can help you identify areas that need attention.
Read the guidance on our Policies page
Go to our Healthcheck Tool page to access the free feature
02. Governance and leadership
Your board of trustees or directors should provide strategic direction, oversight and support, while ensuring that your organisation stays true to its mission and values. To make sure you have strong governance in place, you need to:
- Regularly assess and develop the skills and diversity of your board
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities for trustees, staff, and volunteers
- Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour
- Invest in leadership development and succession planning
Go to our Governance page to read guidance on strengthening your governance practices
Visit our Training & events page to access coaching and mentoring support for not-for-profit leaders
03. Funding and financial management
Securing funding and managing your finances effectively are ongoing challenges for many charities and not-for-profit groups. To build financial resilience and support your long-term impact, you need to:
- Develop a robust fundraising strategy that diversifies your income streams
- Implement financial management practices, including budgeting, monitoring and reporting
- Build financial reserves to help you weather unexpected challenges
For guidance on day-to-day financial operations, check out our Day-to-day operations page.
Download our guide to writing a fundraising strategy
04. Recruiting and managing volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of all not-for-profit organisations. You can find advice on attracting, training and retaining volunteers on our Recruiting and managing volunteer page.
05. Raising awareness and engaging your community
Making local people aware of your organisation is crucial for attracting supporters, volunteers and beneficiaries. For tips to increase your visibility and connect with people, visit our Day-to-day operations page.
Need tailored advice?
Complete the support request form to get one-to-one tailored advice on all aspects of running an organisation including planning and strategy.