Supporting charities through governance challenges

Experienced, practical support for trustees and CEOs when governance becomes difficult.

When boards struggle, the consequences can be serious. We work alongside trustees to stabilise governance, restore confidence, and help charities move forward.

Professional meeting between charity trustees

Governance challenges are more common than you think

Many charities reach a point where governance becomes difficult.

  • Trustees may lack the experience needed for complex decisions
  • Roles and responsibilities become unclear
  • Roles and responsibilities have not evolved with the charity, so we could support you
  • Your charity might have outgrown your competencies or taken you beyond your comfort zone
  • Compliance and accountability feel uncertain
  • Chairs and CEOs carry too much pressure

These challenges are rarely about commitment.

They are about support.

Trustees discussing governance around a table
70%
of governance issues go unaddressed until they become a crisis — because there was no trusted, independent support available.
“Without the right support, good organisations can struggle.”

Early intervention matters. The sooner support is sought, the better the outcome.

Speak to us confidentially

Practical governance support when it matters most

We provide hands-on support to trustees and boards facing governance challenges.

Direct Board Support

We work with trustees directly, including attending meetings and supporting decision-making.

  • Board meeting attendance
  • Decision-making guidance
  • Chair and CEO coaching

Governance Review

We assess governance structures, policies, and accountability to identify gaps and risks.

  • Structural assessment
  • Policy & compliance review
  • Risk identification

Trustee Guidance

We provide clear, practical guidance to help trustees fulfil their responsibilities with confidence.

  • Role clarity support
  • Regulatory obligations
  • Practical frameworks
Team of professionals in a collaborative meeting

Calm, structured, and experienced

Our approach is straightforward and grounded in real-world charity governance experience.

“We bring experience into the room when it is needed most.”
Our principles
Supportive Independent Time-bound Focused on long-term outcomes, not dependency
01

Listen first

We listen first and understand the real issues — not just the surface-level symptoms.

02

Work alongside

We work alongside trustees, not over them. Your board remains in the lead.

03

Focus on solutions

We focus on practical solutions, not theory. Every recommendation is actionable.

04

Leave stronger

We leave charities stronger and more confident — with better governance built to last.

Stronger governance leads to better outcomes

Governance Support
Better Decisions
Stronger Charity
More Impact
Improved clarity and accountability
Reduced organisational risk
Increased confidence for trustees and funders
Stronger long-term sustainability
Professional handshake between colleagues after a productive meeting

Support for trustees

Practical tools and guidance for trustees navigating governance challenges.

Guidance

Trustee Guidance Notes

Clear, practical guidance on key areas of trustee responsibility and best practice.

Coming soon
Checklists

Practical Checklists

Step-by-step checklists for common governance tasks, reviews, and board processes.

Coming soon
External links

Trusted Sector Links

Curated links to the Charity Commission, NCVO, and other authoritative sector resources.

Coming soon

Resources are being developed. Contact us to be notified when they are available.

Experienced leadership

Julian Page, Co-founder of Turnaround Trustees

Julian Page

Co-founder

Senior leader with experience in organisational development, governance, and operational improvement. Strong background in supporting organisations through change and complexity.

Neil Kerfoot, Co-founder of Turnaround Trustees

Neil Kerfoot

Co-founder

CEO of Village by Village, leading delivery of education projects in Ghana and working closely with funders, trustees, and governance structures. Broad experience in charity leadership, fundraising, and operational delivery.

Turnaround Trustees brings together practical experience of governance, leadership, and organisational development.

Charity sector expertise Governance specialists Independent support

If governance is becoming a concern, speak to us

Early support can make a significant difference.

We are available to speak confidentially with trustees and CEOs who are facing governance challenges.

Send us a message

All enquiries are treated in strict confidence.