Institute involvement in Good Governance Awards 2020

Entries open until 11 September 2020

The Good Governance Awards recognises and encourages adherence to good governance by charities and other non-profit organisations in Ireland. The 2020 Awards are now open for entries for both the Annual Report Award and the Governance Initiative Award on www.goodgovernanceawards.ie

Institute involvement

The Institute are proudly supporting the awards for the third year. It is important to recognise good governance and more importantly to recognise the people that are responsible for putting it into practice. Members of our profession are held in high regard by charity and non-profit organisations and many are involved in the sector by direct employment, volunteering, accepting trustee appointments, acting as advisors, accountants, or auditors.

Two Award Types

1. Annual Reports: This award recognises annual reports that effectively tell the story of the non-profits its activities, impact, finances and demonstrates adherence to good governance practice.  
2. Governance Improvement Initiative: This award recognises initiatives that have been taken in the last 12 months to improve the quality of the non-profit’s governance.

Four great reasons to enter

1. Open for non-profits of all sizes: There are six entry categories ranging from small (annual turnover of less than €50,000) to the very large (turnover of over €15 million).The push this year is for getting smaller non-profits involved
2. Entries reviewed by a first class assessment and judging panel: There is a panel of over 60 assessors and judges and seven accountancy firms who bring great expertise and experience who will review each entry and provide valuable feedback and insight to assist in enhancing each submitting organisation’s governance
3. Organisation reputation is enhanced with stakeholders: Entering the Good Governance Awards demonstrates commitment to adhering to good governance practice and transparency. It also shows willingness to be assessed and receive feedback on how governance can be enhanced
4. Boost team morale and gain valuable PR opportunities: Being shortlisted for a Good Governance Award recognises hard work to adhere to good governance practice. Winning an award boosts credibility and increases awareness of the organisation which can help convince even more people that it is a cause worth supporting.

New award category for 2020: very small non profits

In this year's Good Governance Awards, there is a new entry category for very small non-profits (annual turnover less than €50,000). As an added incentive to encourage smaller non-profits to enter for the Annual Report award, thanks to the Community Foundation of Ireland, those shortlisted in this category will receive €1,000 with the overall winner receiving an additional €1,000. For more details, see www.goodgovernance.ie

Institute supports and services for those involved in the Charity/Non-profit sector (‘the Sector’)

The following are examples of key supports and services the Institute have in place for members:

• Dedicated Charities and Non-profit members group (ROI), co-chaired by Paula Nyland FCA and Tony Ward FCA – See page 50 of 2019 Annual Report)
• Dedicated Charities and Non-profit members group (NI), chaired by Dr Rosemary Peters Gallagher OBE – See page 23 of 2019 Ulster Society Annual Report)
• Concise Guide of Ethics and Governance for the charity and not-for-profit sector
• Northern Ireland: Notification facility for Charities/Non-profit boards seeking expressions of interest from Chartered Accountants to join their board. Click for list of contacts
• Procedures for Quality Audit for Charities – ROI
• Procedures for Quality Audit for Charities – NI
• Online courses relevant to Charity and non-profit sector (click and search)
  • e.g. Auditing and Accounting for Charities – ROI
  • Also, events run by District Societies (Western, Cork, Ulster, Mid West, North West, Leinster, London, Australia, United States)
• Northern Ireland:  Organise webinars on relevant topics for sector (click and search)
• Technical representations to standard setters, government and regulators on matters also affecting the Sector, based on inhouse technical research and expert input from members technical committees
• Technical Releases and Technical Alerts providing additional information on technical matters also affecting the Sector
• Dedicated Governance Resource Centre an Ethics Resource Centre containing updates and other resources on matters also relevant to the Sector

Níall Fitzgerald - Head of Ethics and Governance