Good Governance of
Regional Play Associations
What is Governance?
Being a trustee of a play association
Governance is the general term used to
describe the running of an organisation such
as a play association. The aim is to run it
effectively, efficiently, within the law and in
accordance with the Association’s strategy or
business plan, so as to realise its objects (see
below).
The work of a trustee can be rewarding, but
carries with it certain obligations. All trustees
have governance responsibilities and must
accept responsibility for directing the affairs of
the organisation; ensuring it is solvent, wellrun and delivering the outcomes for which it
has been set up.
Every well-run play association has a
governing document, which sets out the aims
and objects of the organisation, as well as the
membership and procedures of its governing
body.
Trustees focus on the strategic direction of
the play association and are not responsible
for the day-to-day management and operation
of the organisation’s direct services; which is
delegated to staff employed by the board of
trustees. The trustees work closely with the
staff, especially the chief officer, to ensure that
they are supported in the delivery of services,
and management of staff and administration
tasks. In ensuring the good governance of
an organisation trustees help the staff to work
efficiently.
The governing body is made up of people that
have legal and financial responsibility for the
operation of the association. The governing
body can be known by many names, for
example it might be called a management or
executive committee, or a board of trustees
or directors, depending on the legal structure
of the organisation. For instance, if the play
association is a charity, the individuals who
make up its governing body are known as
trustees.
An effective governing body is essential to
good governance of a play association - it
manages the process of governance in a
structured way. A play association can support
potential trustees by providing an induction
pack which includes an overview of the
organisation, the governing document, outlines
of the roles and responsibilities of trustees and
staff, and a code of conduct for trustees.
An association can also support trustees to
keep up to date with the latest developments
relating to management of organisations
and to access training that will add to their
individual knowledge. This is the best way to
ensure trustees can add to their skills and their
competence in achieving the highest standard
of governance.
It is not unusual to find that play associations
attract trustees who are committed, likeminded individuals who are passionate about
children’s play. However, a board of trustees
needs to hold within it a diverse range of
skills, experience and knowledge to oversee
the effective running of the organisation.
Play associations act like businesses, and it
is useful to recruit trustees who have skills
such as accounting, fundraising, marketing/
promotion and legal expertise, as well as an
interest in children’s play.
If you feel that you may be able to contribute
and are interested in becoming a trustee,
supporting the development of a play
association, please see the contact details and
make enquiries of a play association in your
area.
One day Wales will be a place where we recognise and
provide for every child’s play needs
Un dydd bydd Cymru’n wlad ble y byddwn yn cydnabod
ac yn darparu ar gyfer anghenion chwarae pob plentyn
Play Wales is the national organisation for children’s play, an independent charity supported
by Welsh Government to uphold children’s right to play and to provide advice and
guidance on play-related matters.
www.playwales.org.uk
Registered charity no. 1068926. A company limited by guarantee, no. 3507258. Registered in Wales