Turcan Connell

Day

Tuesday 10 February

Time slot

11:00-12:00

Room

Moorfoot room
Wheelchair accessible

Contact

Debbie McIlwraith Cameron

Topics

Leadership Governance, strategy & legal

Overall aim

By the end of this session, delegates will:

• Understand the legal duties and potential liabilities of trustees, and how misconduct can impact the wider organisation.
• Recognise common patterns of poor behaviour or conflict within boards and their early warning signs.
• Explore practical steps for addressing difficult dynamics — from informal interventions to formal legal or governance actions.
• Learn how mediation and facilitated conversations can help rebuild trust and restore functionality.
• Take away strategies and resources for promoting a positive board culture and safeguarding organisational integrity.

Description

Even the most well-meaning boards can run into serious problems when trust breaks down. From dominating personalities and poor decision-making to breaches of duty and outright misconduct, “trustees behaving badly” can put an organisation’s reputation, governance, and mission at risk.

This practical and thought-provoking session brings together legal and mediation experts to explore how charities and third sector organisations can identify, address, and prevent problematic trustee behaviour. Through real examples, the speakers will unpack the legal responsibilities of trustees, the warning signs of dysfunction, and the tools available to manage disputes before they escalate. Delegates will gain insight into both the formal (legal) and informal (relational/mediation) routes to resolution, leaving better equipped to maintain healthy, accountable, and effective boards.

Who is the event aimed at?

Directors, Managers, Trustees

Who is speaking at this event?

Turcan Connell and Scottish Mediation