Trustees of not for profit organisations across the county descended on the brand new Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust headquarters last week for a special training event on charity Governance.
The event served as a great example of collaborative working, and sharing costs in austere times. It was also a chance to welcome three new trustees to the board of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust – Stephen Gaut, Pam Faulkner and Dr Nick Clark.
Over 25 Trustees from different local charities packed out the community room on Thursday, February 16 to hear from governance expert Dorothy Dalton.
Author of industry sector publications and editor of Governance Magazine, Dalton delivered her views of best practice in the board room to some of Cornwall’s busiest charities.
Covering topics such as the role, expectations and liabilities of a trustee, and the key strands of charity governance, the event attracted interest from both newly elected and highly regarded experienced trustees.
She defined Governance as “holding the charity in trust for current and future beneficiaries” and went on to discuss the challenges for trustees and senior managers in exercising good judgment and managing the risks facing charitable organisations today.
She said: “Trustees will normally take the helicopter view of their charity but from time to time it may be necessary to go down into the detail to spotlight particular projects or issues.”
Cornwall Air Ambulance chief executive Paula Martin, who welcomed three new members to their board earlier in the week, said: “Every trustee in the room takes their role very seriously and cares passionately about their charity.
“This course has given everyone attending food for thought on how to excel in the boardroom, and manage the relationship between the board and the executive team to get the best results.”
