Course Content & Structure

Module 1:
Governance & the Governance Code
Facilitator:
Andrew Madden

• What is good governance?
• The Governance Code Why? What? Who? The context explained.
• The five principles of the Governance Code and their sub-principles
• The three organisation types
• Seven steps to compliance
• Follow-up Ongoing self-assessment

Module 2:
Funder Realtionships
Facilitator
 Shiela Norden

• Overview of main statutory funders
• Corporate and philanthropic funders Developing relationships
• Fundraising initiatives, events
• Developing grant applications, including a clear needs statement
• The importance of terms of contracts with funders
• Service Level Agreements
• Reporting
• Compliance with the Fundraising Code
• Guest speaker: Jordan Campbell, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (Ex Ireland Funds)

Module 3:
The Law
Facilitator
 Ellen O'Callaghan

• General legal framework: CRO, Other
• Charities Act 2009, Charities Regulatory Authority
• Revenue Commissioners
• Director responsibilities
• Data Protection
• Whistleblowing, the Protected Disclosures Act
• Employment Contracts
• Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015

Module 4:
Finances
Facilitator:
Maureen Kelly

• General legal framework
• Obligation to keep books and records
• Annual audit, controls, expenses, reporting
• Internal audit reporting lines
• Internal controls
• Risk management

Module 5:
Key Board Roles & Relationships
Facilitator:
Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí

• Composition of the board
• What makes an effective Chair?
• Other trustees
• Roles of the Treasurer and other Officers
• Delegated tasks
• Individual and collective responsibilities
• Internal audit
• Company Secretary
• Legal requirements
• Minute taking
• The Secretary as Custodian of Governance
• Relationship with the CEO/Staff Boundaries
• Different levels of decision making
• Board recruitment, development and retirement
•  Board self-assessment
• Guest speaker: Brendan Whelan, Chair, St Catherine’s Association

Module 6:
Sub-committees, Federal & Branch Committees 
Facilitator:
Derek O'Reilly

• Purpose and number of sub-committees
• Sub-committees v working groups
• Types of sub-committees
• Draw up Terms of Reference
• Board responsibility for final decisions
• Composition of sub-committees
• Mix of board and non-board members
• Federal structure
• Ensuring autonomy aligns with shared mission
• Branch structure
• Ensuring local and regional branches comply with overall rules
• Guest Speaker: Fran Brennan, CEO Polio Survivors Ireland

Module 7: 
Theory v. Practice
Facilitator:
Kieran Murphy

• What does integrity mean?
• Conflicts of interest and loyalty
• The organisation’s reputation
• Understanding when cultural change is needed
• Building trust
• Managing change
• Recognising and managing conflict
• Duty of the board to rise to the challenge
• Role of the Chair in initiating change
• Doing what is right