Independent review of TPS highlights strengths in its governance
07 December 2007
The review of Turning Point Scotland's (TPS) governance arrangements, conducted by the Social Work Inspection Agency (SWIA), is published today. This marks the completion of SWIA's first inspection of governance arrangements in a voluntary organisation.
The overall findings are very positive, and it is hoped that the review will benefit others delivering social care services in the voluntary sector.
Netta Maciver, Chief Executive of Turning Point Scotland explains:
"Charities are required to have an external review of governance arrangements. We wanted that process to be conducted by an organisation that was credible to our purchasers. SWIA helpfully agreed to conduct the review at no cost to TPS."
The review drew on models of good governance and examined evidence against four principles of good governance: openness, integrity, accountability and leadership. TPS performed well or very well in all these areas.
Areas of good practice referred to include amongst others:
- Board members making visits to at least two services per annum. Board members told SWIA inspectors that this enhanced their understanding of the organisation, the people it supported, the staff it employed and the services it provided. Staff told inspectors that these visits were appreciated and had increased their confidence in, and awareness of the board and its role in the organisation. Board member visits are regularly reported at board meetings by way of written reports.
- Findings identified that Turning Point Scotland's Board members worked strategically with the management of the organisation and appropriately challenged and debated reports, and contributed to the development of policies, procedures and new service ventures.
- The organisation was committed to working with and for all of its stakeholders.
Netta Maciver continued:
"We have solid policies and procedures in place in respect of financial recording, reporting and monitoring including a clear policy and procedure for reporting financial information to the board on services operating at a deficit."
SWIA inspectors state that the organisation is run by a competent management team supporting a very committed workforce. Part of the methodology for this review involved interviewing the people the organisation supports. Service users told the agency how helpful Turning Point Scotland had been for them. Many shared that they had not always been confident speaking in meetings about their service, but with the support of staff they were now able to do this. Service users felt they were listened to and respected.
In addition to highlighting the organisation's strengths the SWIA report identified some areas for improvement.
Netta Maciver commented:
"Many of the areas for improvement identified by SWIA's review were known to us through our own review and quality assurance mechanisms. This is reassuring for the Board and helps crystallise our future improvement plan."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Click here to download a pdf of the SWIA Governance Review of TPS Dec 2007.
Netta Maciver, Chief Executive is available for interview at 54 Govan Road. To arrange an interview please contact Marisa Mahood, Communications Manager on 0141 427 9422 or 07900 498 055.
Photographers and camera crew are welcome.
Footnote:
Turning Point Scotland provides person-centred support to over 14,000 adults with complex needs including learning disabilities, substance misuse, mental health, criminal justice issues and homelessness. The charity approached SWIA to request a review of its governance in the spring of 2007.