Sean Canney T.D, Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development joined Pobal today to formally launch the ‘Managing Better Guides’. The online resources were designed and produced by Pobal to support and assist boards and committees within the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sector to achieve high standards of decision-making, accountability and transparency.
Originally published in 2011, the series of three guides have been updated in 2018 to reflect recent changes in the governance landscape. Available as an online resource from Pobal the Managing Better Guides include detailed information in regards to; good governance, financial management, and human resources. The guides also provide useful information and direction for voluntary boards and management committees who are responsible for ensuring that not-for-profit organisations deliver on their objectives, are well managed and produce positive outcomes for communities and individuals.
Speaking at the launch of the Pobal ‘Managing Better Series of Guides’ Minister Sean Canney said:
“Pobal works in partnership across Government to support inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. I am delighted to launch the Managing Better Guides today that will help groups in the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors to achieve high standards of decision-making, accountability and transparency. The guides provided by Pobal will help these groups to help the wider community.”
Following the launch of the Managing Better Guides, Denis Leamy, CEO of Pobal explained:
“In recent years, the regulatory environment in Ireland relating to corporate governance in the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sector has changed significantly. While the focus on enhanced accountability and transparency is to be welcomed, there is also a need to recognise that those who volunteer their time as board members, and those who work in the sector, need guidance and support so that boards and management committees understand their statutory obligations and achieve good practice.
Pobal has a broad role that includes promoting quality enhancement and governance. We are committed to supporting local and national organisations in their delivery of government-funded services and strive to be responsive to the needs and requirements of organisations working in towns and communities nationwide.
The Pobal’s ‘Managing Better Guides’ are an innovative response to enhance quality and improve approaches to governance, seeking to support boards and management committees within the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors to understand the wider legal environment around good governance, while also offering guidance in how to effect good governance in practice.”
Based on best practice, the guides have been written to assist organisations in achieving high standards of decision-making, accountability and transparency, both in the context of the communities they seek to support, and in the context of meeting statutory and legal requirements.
Pobal’s Managing Better Guides are available here.