Certified Charity Trustee Programme with Carmichael and TU Dublin

Last year I had the opportunity to join the inaugural class of the new Certified Charity Trustee Programme designed in partnership between TU Dublin and Carmichael. When I started this course on a very last-minute whim, I didn’t really know what to expect but I have been surprised, challenged, and inspired by what I've learnt, my lecturers and my classmates.

The course is for current or future voluntary board members to help them gain a clear understanding of their role and the responsibilities. However, there were many others who like me are not board members but charity sector workers who help to manage the board meetings, governance and compliance admin.  It aims to provide learners with a broad understanding of the governance framework guiding organisations and an appreciation of organisational behaviours and dynamics. This knowledge empowers learners to be informed and confident in their roles.

Over two semesters, my classmates covered two broad topics both online and in person: Governance & Legal Compliance Responsibilities and Organisational Behaviour & Dynamics. In our governance classes with Mark Lonergan, Dept. of Business, we poured over charities’ financial statements and Charities Regulator Inspector’s Reports each week, discussing them in detail while also sharing and learning from the challenges within our own organisations. Knowing in detail what to look out for when reading board packs or even the right questions to ask during a board meeting can help build confidence and help participants to make well informed decisions as trustees.

Our second semester covered the theory of organisational behaviour. With Karen Feery, School of Global Business and our guest lecturers, we developed an understanding and appreciation of individual and group behaviours and an awareness of how it contributes to the success of the organisation. Some of the topics covered include motivation, communication & decision-making, working in groups & teams, leadership, organisational power and politics, and organisational change.

 I was challenged by this semester as I knew nothing of the subject and found it hard to keep up with the reading, our reflective journal and the all the fascinating information from the lectures. But I am so glad I stuck with it, as I have learnt so much! At the heart of an organisation is its people and to be mindful of the way we as individuals, teams, leaders, and board members can positively and negatively affect the delicate organisational eco-system.

We finished our final assignment last month: a group project featuring a presentation on a leader & leadership style (we chose Jim Gavin) and selecting items for inclusion in a board induction pack. I am thrilled I had the opportunity to take part in this course to further my own neglected education and professional development. Thank you to my colleagues & board at Cii for encouraging me to do so, to Carmichael and TU Dublin for a wonderful experience and finally to my teammates Clara, Declan, Pamela and Una for their great insights and collaboration.

The Certified Charty Trustee Programme will run again this September 2024, you can learn more here.