FAQs
What is the Good Governance Award?
The Good Governance Award is the quality standard for Scottish Charities and other Third Sector organisations, the only such award recommended by OSCR. The Award assesses an organisations overall governance and management, focusing on 8 key areas.
It has been designed and is administered by Dundee Volunteer & Voluntary Action.
How long does the award take?
It should take most organisations around 12 months to achieve the award.
How much does it cost?
The cost of delivering the Award is heavily subsidised by our funders, Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership and Scottish Government. The current charge for 2022/23 is £500 for organisations with fewer than 20 employees (FTE), and £1000 for larger organisations. Payment plans are available on request, please contact us for further details.
How do I apply to join the Award programme?
Complete the registration form on the Homepage and send it to goodgovernanceaward@dvva.scot.
How long does the award last?
Once achieved, the award lasts for 3 years, it can then be renewed.
What is involved in obtaining the award?
In order to receive the award, an organisation must demonstrate that it has in place all the necessary policies and procedures required to effectively and efficiently govern itself, and that these policies and procedures are being adhered to implemented. Full guidance is given to enable organisations to demonstrate this through the compilation of an e-portfolio, which is assessed by DVVA Good Governance Award staff.
What kind of support will I get to help me complete the award?
The award process is designed to help you identify the things you are already doing well and develop those areas that require improvement. You will have regular contact with the DVVA Good Governance team, who will be able to offer advice and guidance suitable for your organisation. You will also have access to the members area on this site which contains guidance, examples, templates, and links to useful information and organisations. On completion of the award, organisations continue to have access to this resource.
What happens if I fail the assessment?
The Good Governance Award is not a pass or fail system, we continue to work with you until the correct standard is met. Your mentor will provide guidance and advice throughout the process.
How will the Award benefit my organisation?
· Provides a structured framework to work through enabling you to develop in areas that need more robustness with tailored feedback addressing your organisation’s specific needs to reach the agreed standard
· By completing the Award you will achieve the Quality Standard for Scottish Charities. Trustees, internal and external stakeholders are confident that advanced best practice in governance is being demonstrated, increasing trust in the organisation and improving sustainability
· More than just the essential policies and procedures will be in place to help protect against the most common governance pitfalls that organisations face
· Improved efficiency in running the organisation frees up more time to spend on running your services and working with service users
What is the Introduction to the Good Governance Programme?
The Introduction to the Good Governance Programme is a more foundational programme for smaller organisations.
How long does the Programme take?
It should take most organisations around 12 months to complete the programme.
How much does it cost?
For 2022/23, the cost is £100.
How do I apply to join the Programme?
Complete the registration form on the Homepage and send it to goodgovernanceaward@dvva.scot.
Is there any Certification?
On completion of the Programme, you will receive a certificate of achievement which will last for 3 years, after which time you can renew.
What is involved in completing the Programme?
In order to receive the award, an organisation must demonstrate that it has in place all the necessary policies and procedures required to effectively and efficiently govern itself, and that these policies and procedures are being adhered to. Full guidance is given to enable organisations to demonstrate this through the compilation of an e-portfolio, which is assessed by DVVA Good Governance staff.
What kind of support will I get to help me complete the Programme?
The Programme is designed to help you identify the things you are already doing well and develop those areas that require improvement.
You will have regular contact with the DVVA Good Governance team worker, who will be able to offer advice and guidance suitable for your organisation.
You will also have access to the members area on this site which contains guidance, examples, templates, and links to useful information and organisations. On completion of the award, organisations continue to have access to this resource.
What happens if I fail the assessment?
The Introduction to the Good Governance Award Programme is not a pass or fail system, we continue to work with you until the correct standard is met. Your mentor will provide guidance and advice throughout the process.
Which programme should I choose?
The Good Governance Award is Scotland’s charity quality standard, recommended by OSCR and designed to help charities and other Third Sector organisations achieve governance excellence.
If your organisation has more than 3 members of staff and/or a turnover of over £100,000, we recommend you aim to complete the Good Governance Award.
If your organisation has 3 employees or fewer, or wants to try the assessment process before embarking on the full Award, beginning with the IGGP might be a good option. If your organisation has no staff, you should complete the IGGP.