This is one of the phrases used by a local Insurance Broker who talked about risk at a recent Charity Seminar I attended – but it doesn’t only apply to risk!
One of the most important things that we can have in our organisation is clarity! There are so many areas where clarity is needed:
- What is the organisation here for?
- What does our Governing Document say?
- How do we appoint/elect Trustees?
- What is expected of me as a Trustee?
- What are we raising funds for – general funds or specific project?
- What are various committees set up for?
- How much authority do we delegate to committees, individuals etc?
- What is an employee’s role?
- How do employees and Trustees interact?
- Where are the demarcation lines between our employees and our Trustees?
There are many more questions that could be added to the list.
Do we know where our Governing Document is and what it says? This is where we get clarity on what we are here for and how we operate.
Do we have a role description for our Trustees, Officers, Chair, Secretary, Treasurer to help to define their role?
Do we have job descriptions in place for all employees?
What is done by paid staff and what is done by volunteers?
Do we have policies and procedures set out?
Do we have an organisation chart?
If there is anything that is unclear within our organisation, we must encourage people to “ask to understand”. Rather than guessing and acting outside of our Governing Document, or our role’s authority, ask the question – to understand what you can and can’t do.
If you don’t know who is responsible for something – or what you are responsible for, ask the question to improve your understanding.
Encourage people to ask the question – if there is an answer then it can be provided to help people to understand, if there is not, then the issue is raised to be discussed and decisions to be made and communicated.
To ensure that your organisation works as effectively as possible you need to have clarity in all areas. To help that to occur, you need to know the areas that are lacking that clarity. As Trustees you need to ask to understand – but you also need to encourage your staff and volunteers to do the same.
If you want any help with any of these issues, please get in touch.