Governance is the act or process of governing or overseeing the control and direction of an organisation or country.

Good governance is fundamental to a charity’s success. It enables and supports a charity’s compliance with the law and relevant regulations. It also promotes a culture in which everything works towards fulfilling the charity’s vision.

A charity’s governance structure will provide:

  1. Direction: Showing leadership by setting strategy.
  2. Effectiveness: Making good use of the charity's money and resources.
  3. Supervision: Making sure the charity follows the law, its governing document and policies
  4. Accountability: Reporting to those who are interested in what the organisation is doing, including regulators.