The Governance Hub

Stronger Governance Starts Here

Good governance isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing commitment to learning, reflection and continuous improvement.

The Governance Hub brings together practical guidance, expert insights and real-world examples to help charities, community groups and non-profit organisations strengthen their governance, build public trust and create lasting impact.

Whether you’re reviewing your board’s effectiveness, developing new policies or looking for inspiration from organisations leading the way, you’ll find resources designed to support every stage of your governance journey.

Ideas & Suggestions

Fresh thinking for better governance.

Small changes can make a significant difference.

Explore practical ideas, innovative approaches and actionable suggestions that can help your board and leadership team improve decision-making, strengthen accountability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Featured Topics

Case Studies

Governance in Action

  • Advancing Purpose

    Advancing Purpose

    Back to Resources Governance PrinciplesAdvancing Purpose Behaving with Integrity Leading People Exercising Control Working Effectively Accountability & Transparency All 6 /Constitution review 1 /Engaging with beneficiaries 1 /Social Return on Investment assessment… Read more..

  • Behaving with Integrity

    Behaving with Integrity

    Back to Resources Governance PrinciplesAdvancing Purpose Behaving with Integrity Leading People Exercising Control Working Effectively Accountability & Transparency All 1 /Behaving with Integrity 1 Canoeing Ireland Read more..

  • Leading People

    Leading People

    Back to Resources Governance PrinciplesAdvancing Purpose Behaving with Integrity Leading People Exercising Control Working Effectively Accountability & Transparency All 1 /Leading People 1 Proudly Made in Africa Read more..

  • Exercising Control

    Exercising Control

    Back to Resources Governance PrinciplesAdvancing Purpose Behaving with Integrity Leading People Exercising Control Working Effectively Accountability & Transparency All 7 /Constitution Review 1 /Exercising Control 6 /Financial Control 1 /Governance Structure 1… Read more..

  • Working Effectively

    Working Effectively

    Back to Resources Governance PrinciplesAdvancing Purpose Behaving with Integrity Leading People Exercising Control Working Effectively Accountability & Transparency All 10 /Board Diversity 1 /Board effectiveness 1 /Board training and development 5 /Governance… Read more..

  • Accountability & Transparency

    Accountability & Transparency

    Back to Resources Governance PrinciplesAdvancing Purpose Behaving with Integrity Leading People Exercising Control Working Effectively Accountability & Transparency All 3 /Governance KPI dashboard 1 /Improving the governance model 1 /Stakeholder Engagement 1… Read more..

Best Practices

Learn from what works.

Effective governance is built on proven principles.

Browse practical examples, frameworks and recommendations that reflect recognised standards of governance and help organisations build confidence, accountability and resilience.

Popular Topics

Templates & Resources

Practical tools you can use.

Save time with downloadable templates, checklists and governance resources designed to support your organisation’s day-to-day governance activities.

Whether you’re creating a new policy or preparing for your next board meeting, these resources provide practical guidance you can put into action immediately.

Resource Library

  • Annual Report Template – Category 1 (less than €100K turnover or without paid staff)

    Download DOCX
  • Annual Report Template – Category 2 (€100K–€250K turnover)

    Download DOCX
  • Annual Report Template – Categories 3–7 (more than €250K turnover)

    Download DOCX
  • Improving Your Annual Report

    Download PDF
  • Top 10 Recommendations – GGA 2022

    Download PDF
  • Improving your Nonprofit’s Annual Report – Webinar

    View

Guidance & Reports

Research, guidance and sector insights.

Access reports, publications and governance guidance from Carmichael and leading organisations across Ireland and beyond.

Stay informed on emerging trends, evolving regulations and best practice to help your organisation make confident, informed decisions.

  • Financial Controls Handbook

    Financial Controls Handbook

    View
  • Trustee Induction Pack

    Trustee Induction Pack

    View
  • Charity Governance Code Review

    Charity Governance Code Review

    View
  • Board Assurance Framework

    Board Assurance Framework

    View
  • Policy Briefings

    Policy Briefings

    View
  • Governance Frameworks

    Governance Frameworks

    View

Expert Opinions

Perspectives from governance leaders.

Hear from experienced board members, governance professionals and sector leaders.

  • Sean Fitzgerald

    Sean Fitzgerald
    Finance Director

    Reporting that people actually read

    Practical guidance for boards and senior teams, drawn from current governance practice across the community and voluntary sector.

    Read more..

  • Declan Byrne

    Declan Byrne
    Non-Executive Director

    Why succession planning cannot wait

    Practical guidance for boards and senior teams, drawn from current governance practice across the community and voluntary sector.

    Read more..

  • Niamh Gallagher

    Niamh Gallagher
    Head of Governance

    Risk is a board conversation

    Practical guidance for boards and senior teams, drawn from current governance practice across the community and voluntary sector.

    Read more..

  • Aoife Brennan

    Aoife Brennan
    Chair, Community Trust

    Boards that listen build trust

    Practical guidance for boards and senior teams, drawn from current governance practice across the community and voluntary sector.

    Read more..

  • John Murphy

    John Murphy
    Chief Executive

    Good Governance allows a greater focus on impact

    Innovative approaches and actionable suggestions that help boards improve decision-making, strengthen accountability and foster continuous improvement.

    Read more..

  • John Murphy

    John Murphy
    Chief Executive

    Governance as a driver of trust

    Innovative approaches and actionable suggestions that help boards improve decision-making, strengthen accountability and foster continuous improvement.

    Read more..

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