As part of the Cultural Leadership Programme, GOLD (Governance Organisational & Leadership Development) is promoting governance within the arts and cultural sector. Janet Summerton signposts some advice and information for boards and senior managers.
The signals are clear: the matter of governance and leadership in our arts and cultural organisations is ripe for change in attitudes and expectations, in behaviour and relationships. Where can we find the most reliable and relevant information? Colleagues and advisors can be one valuable source, and the Web is another. But surprisingly a recent survey of more than 100 arts organisations showed that only 62% had made reference to any guidance material, only a third had heard of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and less than half were aware of the Governance Hub (see list below).
A wide variety of help is to hand. If you want to make some changes to improve and enrich governance practice and understanding, take time to check out some great websites. Theyll provide fresh tools and ideas which you can adapt to suit your organisations purposes. Most of these deal with a larger constituency than just arts organisations.
The GOLD programme is keen to build shared information in our sector, such as the Mission Models Money case studies. We are looking for stories which capture the good practice and wisdom of boards and senior managers. You can use the GOLD blog or email (details on the wiki) to share your experiences, tips, techniques and opinions on themes such as induction, recruitment, development, effective meetings, communication and board/staff relations.
Janet Summerton has been Chair of three regularly funded organisations and is now Co-Chair of CreativePeople. She is also a researcher, writer and consultant. She led a recent collaborative enquiry on boards and staff working together.
This is one of a series of articles commissioned by GOLD.
To find out more, join the discussions and come to events, see http://www.goldnet@wikispaces.com
* The Voluntary Sector Governance Hub website is a real treasure trove. Use it to research a particular issue, or browse and find ideas and information you might never have thought of. There is a vast range of useful, practical material, links to other sites and a toolkit relating to the Governance Code. http://www.governancehub.org.uk
* The most influential guide for board members of an arts organisation is still Care, Diligence and Skill from the Scottish Arts Council, now in its fifth edition. Download from http://www.scottisharts.org.uk
* Mission, Models, Money is an important programme of research and development into arts and cultural organisations. Check out its website for materials from its governance roadshow and case studies of arts organisations issues. http://www.missionmodelsmoney.com
* The NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) runs a well stocked Trustee Information Centre. Find it under Ask NCVO on their website. http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
* The Charity Commissions website is a good reference point for organisations with charitable status. http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk
And see the GOLD wiki for more http://www.goldnet@wikispaces.com