Volunteering Network Forum

STRONGER BOARDS, SAFER CHARITIES: FROM RISK PREVENTION TO RESILIENCE

As part of Trustees’ Week 2026, Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway invites trustees, charity staff and others involved in charity governance to a Volunteering Network Forum to explore how recognising risks early, strengthening governance and supporting trustee wellbeing can help build stronger, more resilient charities.

Through an interactive premortem exercise and practical insights, we will explore how anticipating potential challenges, encouraging difficult conversations and fostering healthy board relationships can help charities address problems before they escalate into crises.

Join us to explore:
• Recognising early warning signs and anticipating governance risks before they become crises
• Using a practical premortem technique to identify potential challenges and strengthen board decision-making
• Building healthy board relationships and promoting good governance in practice
• Supporting trustee wellbeing to foster healthier, more effective and resilient boards

The Forum offers an opportunity to learn, reflect and share experiences, helping charities strengthen their governance, support their trustees and build resilience for the future.
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Agenda:
10:30 Welcome/Introductions
10:40 Maddie Stark, SCVO – “Online Premortem: Your Chair Has Been Removed”
Presentation-Group Work-Sharing
11:25 Break
11:30 Lauren McDaid, TSDG – “Before It Becomes a Crisis: Trustee Wellbeing and Good Governance in Practice”
Presentation-Group Work-Sharing
12:15 Networking
12:30 Wrap-up
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About speakers:

Maddie Stark is a Digital Evolution Development Worker at SCVO, helping charities navigate digital change. She specialises in behaviour change, organisational culture, agile and service design, and has almost 10 years’ experience designing and delivering digital training for Scotland’s voluntary sector. Maddie is also a co-founder of Digital for Good and a Trustee of Mindspace.

Lauren McDaid is the Locality Development Officer for Wigtownshire and Stewartry at TSDG, supporting organisations through one-to-one support, training and capacity building. Earlier this year, she worked closely on a complex governance case that reinforced the importance of effective governance practices. She has also been exploring trustee wellbeing with partner organisations and is delighted to join the forum to share insights on building resilient boards and supporting the people who lead them.