What is governance and why is it important?
Supporting bands in developing and maintaining proper governance structures is a high priority for us here at Brass Bands England. But what is governance, and why is it important?
The Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland defines governance as:
A system that provides a framework for managing organisations. It identifies who makes decisions, who has the authority to act on behalf of the organisation and who is accountable for how an organisation and its people behave and perform.
So, governance is about managing organisations in the best way possible. But why should bands want to have good governance structures and practices in place? Well…
Good governance:
- Reduces your organisational risk
- Helps your band access funding
- Helps you to bring new people into the sector
- Helps you realise your band’s aspirations and aims
- Supports you to build an effective team
Having a good governance structure in place could unlock huge potential for your organisation, which is why we offer bespoke training and support in this area.
Band Governance Bootcamp
In May 2021, BBE launched a new course, exclusive for our members - Band Governance Bootcamp. Over the last two-and-a-half years, we’ve trained nearly 100 participants in blocks of small group training sessions and 1:1 support.
Band Governance Training Case Study: Denmead Brass
We’ve had fantastic feedback from members who have previously taken the course, with one describing it as “Absolutely excellent, really informative, perfectly timed”, however to keep our training as relevant and as up-to-date as possible, and following a recent review, we’ve decided to make some changes to the content.
Our next phase of governance training will be split into two courses for different types of organisations.
Band Organisation Essentials
Band Organisation Essentials is ideal for organisations that aren’t registered as charities, and for those who are considering charity registration. The two-hour training session will cover:
- Charity status and legal structures
- Purpose and aims of your organisation
- Roles and responsibilities within your organisation
For just £25 per person, you’ll get a two-hour training session, a workbook of information to take away and a 1:1 follow up with your trainer to seek clarification on any specific issues or queries you may have.
Future Proofing your band
Future Proofing your band is more suited to bands who are already registered charities and wish to ensure their governance structures are working well, and who are also looking to raise funds and diversify their income streams. The two x two-hour training sessions will cover:
- Board and committee structures
- Volunteer management
- Budgeting
- Income generation and fundraising
- Project planning
- Policy updates
For just £60 per person, you’ll get two x two-hour training sessions, a workbook of information to take away, a 1:1 follow up with your trainer and a free search for five suitable funders for a project you’re fundraising for.
Book your governance training
Training is delivered by members of the BBE team experienced in supporting members in their governance and organisational development, and who are all experienced in charity trusteeship themselves. To get the most from the sessions we’d recommend more than one person from your band attends - that way you can work together and discuss changes and challenges in your organisation.
The first set of these courses is running in the new year - to book your place, find a session on the BBE Events page.
More resources and support
In addition to online training sessions, BBE will also provide further resources on the topic of governance over the coming months including:
- Role of the trustee
- Role of the treasurer
- Building an organisational budget
- Contracting conductors
Register for BBE news to be informed once these are available.