The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has announced it has begun a formal independent governance review to assess whether its current structures are “fit for purpose”.
In a statement published on the membership body’s website on Friday, Priya Singh, chair of the umbrella body, said the review would examine the organisation’s governance structures, processes, relationships and documentation.
The review would also focus on “equity and inclusion” within the organisation’s governance.
An independent equality, diversity and inclusion review, conducted last year and made public by Third Sector in February, found that staff members from all marginalised groups experienced “overt oppression”and discriminatory bullying at all levels of the NCVO.
In her blog post, Singh said the organisation had appointed the management consultancy Campbell Tickell to conduct the governance review.
The first steering group meeting for the review took place last week, according to Singh’s blog.
She said the review would be “wide-ranging” and formal, and was being conducted three years after a previous review, in line with the Charity Governance Code.
“This review will fully assess and report on whether our governance structures, processes, relationships, and documentation are fit for purpose moving forwards. It will examine the roles, groups, and committees of the board,” said Singh.
“In parallel, the review will ensure equity and inclusion are at the heart of our governance as part of our culture change roadmap.”
The review would also engage members and staff, she said, so the organisation could clearly understand the impact of its governance.
“Our hope for this review is to ensure NCVO’s decisions and governance are effective and centred on our strategic goals and for the benefit of members and the wider charity sector,” she said.
In the same blog post, Singh also appealed for nominations to fill two vacancies on the board for member-elected trustees.
“As part of our commitment to a culture of inclusion, NCVO wants to strengthen the board to better reflect the diversity of our society,” she said.
“We will do this by seeking to elect trustees who bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, lived experience and skills.”
Nominations close on 16 August, with the results due to be announced on 22 November at the NCVO’s annual general meeting.