Reflecting on the outcomes of our governance review

I am delighted to share the outcomes of our recent independent governance review conducted by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). This review, conducted in August, was a comprehensive evaluation of Ygam’s leadership, decision-making structures, policies, and practices to ensure alignment with legal requirements, best practices, and the organisation’s mission, thereby enhancing its effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.

The NCVO report highlighted several key strengths of Ygam’s board of trustees. It was particularly gratifying to see recognition of our strategic planning, coordination, leadership, and operational effectiveness. The report underlined that Ygam possesses ‘a high performing and highly competent board with a strong and committed chair who is supportive of younger board members’. It concluded the board plays an effective role in guiding the direction and impact of the charity’s work.

The review highlighted several positive aspects of our governance:

• Integrity and independence: Ygam demonstrates clear defined practices regarding conflicts of interest and maintains independence from funders from the gaming and gambling sectors. This integrity is the cornerstone of our work.
• Support for new Trustees: Ygam is committed to supporting new trustees, particularly those from diverse backgrounds who may not have prior board experience. The report found Ygam’s board is perceived as a ‘safe and inclusive space where people can participate’.
• Transparent recruitment: Our recruitment process for new trustees is targeted, intentional, open, and transparent.
• Structured meetings: Our trustee board meetings are well-structured and efficiently chaired, with active and positive contributions from all trustees and staff members.

• Integrity charter: NCVO proposes that Ygam codifies its current good practice on integrity and transparency in relation to the gambling industry into a charter to future proof it.
• Lived experience: It is recommended that the board clarifies its definition of “lived experience” in line with the charity’s mission and purpose. Additionally, the board should consider different approaches, develop a clear plan, and allocate resources to meaningfully include individuals with lived experience in decision-making processes.

This governance review plays a crucial role in supporting Ygam’s commitment to operating at the highest standards, going above and beyond our statutory and legal obligations. It ensures we maintain robust processes that uphold our complete independence from funders, keeping our vision and mission at the core of everything we do. We are fully committed to reviewing and implementing the report’s recommendations to further strengthen our governance.

I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about the future. Together, we will continue building on our strengths and addressing areas for improvement, ensuring Ygam remains a leader in integrity and impact within our sector.