Governance & Compliance

Non-Profit Governance and Accountability

Non-profit organisations must account to donors, beneficiaries, regulators and the public. This course covers non-profit governance: trustee and board duties, strategy and mission oversight, financial stewardship, restricted funds, risk management, safeguarding, transparency and impact reporting.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Trust is the main asset of a non-profit. You will learn governance practices that protect and strengthen it.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Non-profit case studies, board simulations, policy reviews and reporting exercises.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain trustee and board duties in non-profits
Oversee mission, strategy and performance
Ensure financial stewardship and fund controls
Manage risks including safeguarding
Promote transparency with stakeholders
Report impact and accountability

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Trustees and board members of non-profits
Executive directors
Finance managers in NGOs
Programme managers
Foundation staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Board governance
Financial stewardship
Risk and safeguarding
Transparency
Impact reporting

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Non-Profit Governance

09:00–10:08Legal forms and duties
10:08–11:00Board roles
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Board roles (continued)
11:45–12:53Case study
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Mission and Strategy

09:00–10:08Strategic oversight
10:08–11:00Performance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Performance (continued)
11:45–12:53Board and management
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Financial Stewardship

09:00–10:08Budgets and reserves
10:08–11:00Restricted funds
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Restricted funds (continued)
11:45–12:53Controls
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Risk and Safeguarding

09:00–10:08Risk registers
10:08–11:00Safeguarding
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Safeguarding (continued)
11:45–12:53Reputation
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Accountability

09:00–10:08Transparency
10:08–11:00Donor and beneficiary reporting
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Donor and beneficiary reporting (continued)
11:45–12:53Board evaluation
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.