Why Stronger Boards Matter

Introducing the Wirral CVS Board Building Fund, and what you need to know to apply

Trustees are fundamental to the strength of a charity. They hold responsibility for its purpose, governance, finances and long-term direction, while giving their time voluntarily to help an organisation serve its community well.

It's an important role, but not always an easy one. Trustees may join a board with deep professional or lived experience while being less familiar with a particular aspect of charity governance. Established boards may also face new questions as their organisations grow, respond to changing needs or navigate increasing financial and regulatory pressures.

There is no single training programme that will answer every board’s needs. One charity may want to strengthen its safeguarding oversight, while another may need greater confidence around financial procedures, equality, diversity and inclusion, leadership or the practical responsibilities of good governance.

That is why Wirral CVS is launching the Board Building Fund.

A flexible approach to board development

The £20,000 fund will provide grants of up to £1,000 to eligible registered charities in Wirral. Rather than prescribing one course or one provider, it gives boards the flexibility to identify their own development priorities and choose suitable external training.

Funding could support an individual trustee, someone holding a particular position such as Chair, Vice-Chair or Treasurer, a group of trustees or a full board. Training might take place online or face-to-face, through an existing external course or a session commissioned specifically for the board.

What we hope the fund will achieve

The immediate aim is to help up to 20 charities address a clearly identified board development need. We want participating trustees to gain knowledge, confidence and practical skills that help them govern and lead their organisations more effectively.

The proposed training must contribute to at least one of the fund’s outcomes. These include stronger understanding of governance and financial procedures, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding responsibilities or leadership.

The longer-term ambition goes further. We want to build more direct relationships with trustees across Wirral, better understand the challenges boards are facing and shape future support around what trustees tell us they need. Learning from the fund will help Wirral CVS develop a broader programme of trustee communication, development and connection as well as connect trustees from different organisations to each other in a more supported way.

Strong governance should not be treated as a back-office concern. Decisions made at board level influence an organisation’s resilience, culture and ability to make a lasting difference. Investing in trustees is therefore an investment in the charity as a whole, and in the communities that rely on its work.

How to apply

Applications are open until Monday 12th October 2026. Applications may be submitted by the charity’s Chief Executive or Chair of Trustees.

Applicants must be registered charities and members of Wirral CVS. Organisations that are not currently members can find information about registering before applying.

Read the full guidance and apply: Board Building Fund Application Form

Find out about Wirral CVS membership: Wirral CVS Membership Form

For questions about the fund, contact Zel Rodgers.