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Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
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Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

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Good Governance

Trustees have a significant part to play in your organisation. They are there to oversee and take responsibility for everything your organisation does. Being a trustee is an important role and should not to be taken on without an understanding of what’s involved.

Scottish Governance Code

This governance code is a statement of best practice. It sets out the core principles and key elements of good governance for the voluntary sector in Scotland.

Good Governance Checkup

The Code outlines good practice for trustees in the voluntary sector in Scotland. Our checkup tool helps you understand how well your organisation is doing on governance.

Roles & responsibilities

Information on who can be a trustee and what's involved. Find out about collective responsibility, personal liability and the difference between governance and management.

Recruitment

Guidance to help you succeed in recruiting great trustees, including where to find them and how to get the right mix of skills

Trustee induction

A good induction will help new trustees to settle into their roles, and be more effective. Here's some guidance on how to create a good process for new trustees

Meetings

Running effective and efficient meetings will help your organisation achieve its objectives. Find out how to set an agenda and take minutes, and ensure your trustees follow a Code of Conduct

Developing your board

Your trustees need to continually evolve and adapt. In order to develop a problem solving approach and ensure a long-term future, you need to invest in training and development for your trustees

Managing risks and problems

Every organisation has to think about potential risks and challenges. Here is some guidance to help you be prepared.

Mediation

Find out how our mediation support can help you manage conflict and stop it from escalating.

Guidance & templates

We're providing you with some guidance and templates, so that you can get a head-start on making sure you've got everything in place

Trustee Essentials

With over 250,000 trustees across the country who help manage, shape and guide voluntary sector organisations, we think it’s important to provide practical help and information which caters specifically to board members

Jargon buster

Clear descriptions of common governance words and phrases

SCVO Governance Network

The SCVO Governance Network provides trustees and boards with support and guidance to help generate good governance across the voluntary sector in Scotland.

SCVO Governance Network

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About

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.
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2026. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.