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Governance & Legal Structures

Pulse has extensive experience of supporting Boards, Trustees and Chief Executives to review and develop strong organisational governance and legal structures. This includes new start-ups, development, and growth. Our services include:

  • Board development including Away Days and Strategic Reviews
  • Skills audits and Trustee recruitment
  • Organisational Health Checks and Code of Governance
  • Legal structure options and advice
  • Charity mergers, partnership development, and collaboration, joint ventures
  • CEO mentoring support

Case Studies

Legal Structure and Governance Review
Pulse was asked by 1point to undertake a review of its legal structure and governance, and provide implementation support. 1point was created when five established charities recognised the increased demand for their mental health and wellbeing support services, and strength in working together. Formed in 2011, the original legal form was no longer appropriate, and advice was needed about forming a new legal structure, including exploring a Charity or CIO structure. Support has been provided to develop a draft purposes and constitution, formation of a trading subsidiary CIC, and helping to secure legal advice including sourcing a briefing a solicitor. Pulse has also set up and facilitated Away Days for the Board to agree recommendations and further develop its governance arrangements, including a collaboration agreement for service delivery by the partners.

Governance and Leadership Support
Pulse provided support to the Chair, Trustees, CEO and SMT. This included workshop sessions with the Trustee Board including a skills audit, identification of skills gaps, assessment of board capacity to meet future requirements, a review of board decision making processes including subcommittee structure, a trustee recruitment plan, training needs analysis, and forward recommendations. Support outputs included development of a Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees document, and a Board Governance Handbook.

Merger Support
Pulse undertook an Organisational Review and Options Appraisal for the The Relationship Hub which has been providing Counselling Services for over 60 years. The review was used to understand the current situation for the Hub, including its financial performance, contracts, and management. A series of options were identified/ developed and appraised, including potential options for merger with another Counselling organisation. Working closely with the Hub Board, a preferred option was identified, and further development took place including identifying potential implications, and setting out the next steps needed for merger. Follow up support has included assistance for both Boards with due diligence.