We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
LESS THAN SEVENTY Irish voluntary organisations have passed tests ensuring good governance.
The Governance Code, which was launched 18 months ago, was drafted by the umbrella bodies for charities, co-operatives and voluntary organisations and community organisations, has had just over 320 organisations sign up, despite there being around 8,000 such organisations in the country.
The code is entirely voluntary and is designed to increase transparency and reassure funders.
Charity umbrella group The Wheel, one of the groups involved in drafting the code, say that the low numbers reflect the difficulty involved in getting governance in order.
Their Director of Advocacy Ivan Cooper said that the process was complicated.
“They have to methodically go through it. It’s not a check box process, it’s extremely time-consuming. It’s been a process that is ongoing.”
Cooper says that the establishment of the Charities Regulator will increase the numbers, but that even this step had caused uncertainty.
“People weren’t sure what role the regulator would play, but we hope that once the office is established, they would encourage charities to sign up to the code.”
Among the big names to have achieved compliance with the code are Beaumont Hospital, the St Vincent’s Foundation and Make-A-Wish.
Another list, which outlines the organisations that have signed up to implement the code, shows Barnados, Crosscare and the Irish Cancer Society. The Wheel themselves are on this list, something Cooper says points to the rigours involved in certification.
He adds that The Wheel is not disappointed with the uptake of the code.
“We’re happy that there is now a code.
“One of the good outcomes of recent events is increased awareness on good governance.
Charities need to remember that it is the public’s money. The public have a right to expect the highest standards.
There are too many charities nowadays, go down the street and you can get stopped so many times, support this or that. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great charities that need us,but they should be regulated properly.
Maybe it’s time that codes, which involve transparency and public reassurance, aren’t viewed as voluntary and optional.
When the country’s government fails to live up to standards why do we expect others to achieve?
Two wrongs don’t make a right, the charity sector should have the highest possible standards, that may well exceed Govt standards, at the moment the sector is struggling to look anyone in the eye about standards
Because it thrives on profit ,charity will nearly always miss the intended target
If you allow charity to be a career, it will always miss its intended target – by design. You can’t justify a salary increase unless the problem proves especially intractable.
“Good governance” something the government would fail at
Print a list of the charities that did not adapt to the guidelines. It would be interesting to see who heads up those charities.
Just stop giving and let people fend for themselves, it’s the fairest way
Governance is key, but as is transparency, there is no point in having the best governance if then there is no opportunity for the public to view and test the governance of the charity then there is a failing. There is a need to rebuild public trust and transparency and disclosure are just as important as good governance. One goes hand in hand with the other
Part of the code is “Being transparent and accountable.”
“Identifying those who have a legitimate interest in the work of our organisation (stakeholders) and making sure that there is regular and effective communication with them about our organisation;
Responding to stakeholders’ questions or views about the work of our organisation and how we run it;.
Encouraging and enabling the engagement of those who benefit from our organisation in the planning and decision-making of the organisation.”
I think that comment from Ivan Cooper is a bit unfair. Just because a charity hasn’t completed The Governance Code process doesn’t mean it’s governance isn’t actually in order. It’s like any if these quality standard assessments – it’s very time consuming and often more about finding time to gather and present the evidence rather than changing processes or getting things in order.
That said, it’s obvious that all voluntary bodies need to do this kind of thing now to reassure donors and supporters in the wake of the recent news.
Just support local.. End of
69 out of 8000 says it all. They shot their own golden goose with their greed.
have your say