In this issue of the Governance Blog, we’re focusing on a vital area for every voluntary and community organisation: policies.
A clear set of up-to-date policies is essential for the smooth and safe running of any group, no matter its size. At a minimum, all voluntary organisations should have Safeguarding and Finance policies in place. As organisations grow, so too should their policy framework — with Health and Safety and Data Protection among the next priorities.
Importantly, policies should not just be written and forgotten. Regular reviews are key to ensuring policies remain effective and compliant. Safeguarding policies should be reviewed annually, while a two-year cycle may be appropriate for other, less critical policies.
To help groups get started, VODA can provide a wide range of template policies. These examples are available to download here.
For further support or to talk through your organisation’s needs, please contact VODA’s Core Services Team on 0191 643 2626 or email development@voda.org.uk.
