Organisational review
Summary
the challenge
The solution
what we did
the impact
Shared Purpose, working as an associate consultant to NCVO, reviewed the governance and management of a small charity facing financial and leadership challenges. Our review gave trustees clarity on their options and enabled them to take the difficult but necessary decision to close in a planned and well-managed way.
A small charity with an income of around £150,000 had lost its main grant and seen individual donations dwindle. At the same time, the CEO — who was central to day-to-day operations — had resigned. The four trustees were left feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to secure the charity’s future, and considering whether closure might be the only option.
Our task was to generate credible evidence, shaped with NAVCA members, that could both influence national policymakers and support local negotiations with commissioners.
The aim was to provide trustees with a clear assessment of their strengths and weaknesses, alongside practical options for moving forward.
Using NCVO’s organisational review model, we:
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analysed key documentation, including board minutes, financial reports and CEO updates
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reviewed core governance and management policies
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interviewed trustees, the former CEO, and the remaining staff member.
From this, we built a detailed picture of the organisation’s capacity and challenges, and produced a report setting out what would need to change for the charity to continue, as well as an alternative plan for a managed closure.
The trustees decided to close, and — guided by our report — took the necessary steps to do so in a structured and responsible way. This ensured staff and stakeholders were treated fairly, risks were minimised, and the organisation’s legacy was protected.
The trustees decided to close, and — guided by our report — took the necessary steps to do so in a structured and responsible way. This ensured staff and stakeholders were treated fairly, risks were minimised, and the organisation’s legacy was protected.