Thread by @karlwilding

So, at @NCVO we’ve been reading the @oxfamgb report from the @ChtyCommission. I’m inevitably drawn to the section on wider lessons for charities. I’ve snipped some bits and tweet them, plus a few final thoughts. 1/12

So, the first lesson from @oxfamgb: good governance matters. As trustees, we have to make sure we understand the risks our charities face. 2/12

Second lesson: safeguarding is *the* governance priority for charities. All charities. No ifs. No buts. @NCVO will help you on this - dont be afraid to ask us at @ncvo. We've got free help here: knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/organisation/o… 3/12

Third lesson: Just because your charity works in a difficult or contested area, that doesn't give you an excuse when it comes to keeping people from harm. 4/12

Fourth lesson: the culture that our boards and leaders set matters. And that's culture where people can speak up. Whoever they are. Whoever the perpetrator is. 5/12

Fifth lesson: we need to put in place mechanisms and procedures that enable people to speak up and then to make sure that we don't just hear, but we actively listen. 6/12

Sixth lesson: charities can best protect their reputation - and funding - by identifying problems early and dealing with them. Not by wishing them away or hiding them. Denial is not an option. 7/12

Last lesson: We exist for our charitable purpose. That has to drive the what, why and how we make decisions. Doing good isn't enough - how we do it matters too. More than ever. Maximising value and impact isn't an excuse for a delivery model absent of values. 8/12

This is a difficult time for @oxfamgb, aid charities and the sector more broadly.

But let's be clear: a lot of good has (and will) come from this episode. More trustee boards are on it. Safeguarding is on the register of many more charities, though not yet all. 9/12

We're also talking about issues around power in a way that we have avoided in the past. Bravo to @ACEVO here for their work on bullying and harrassment. And to @damemarymarsh for leading work on charity ethical principles. A new safeguarding hub for charities is on the way. 10/12

I hope that this opens up a conversation with the public on the challenges charities face in their work. And on the need for proper infrastructure to support the frontline. Yes, our culture needs to change at times, but so too does the quality and depth of our support structures

@Oxfamgb, aid charities and the voluntary setor will, I think, emerge stronger from these difficult times. @ncvo and our partners across the charity umbrella bodies will work with them to do that. 12/end