Help with how to lead well

THE ART OF GOOD GOVERNANCE:
Seven Rules for Growth and Stability
Compiled by Julia Cameron
Dictum Press. 36 pages. £3.99
ISBN 978 1 915 934 260

(Editorial note. There is now an updated 2025 edition of this booklet. en received an earlier draft on which this review is based. Given the ongoing discussions concerning accountability in the lives of public bodies, the reappearance of this helpful booklet is very timely.)

The Art of Good Governance serves as a brief and accessible introduction to the governance of Christian organisations.

It covers the function of the board of trustees, and is set out in such a way that it would be easily understood by people considering serving as a trustee for the first time. Compiled from the perspective of an experienced Christian publisher, it notes the harm suffered by missions and ministries when organisational governance fails. Sadly, such examples usually attract media attention and undermine gospel ministry.

The responsibility of trustees in both shaping and maintaining vision and strategy, and how they relate to the CEO and the operational running, are considered key. The book provides a short overview of the essentials or ‘rules’ for ensuring good governance. These include the profile and effectiveness of the board; the need for orientation or induction of new board members; how the theological and financial integrity of the organisation can be guarded. How the CEO relates to the board, and the nature of the CEO’s leadership of the organisation’s ministry are also explored. There is practical advice on the conduct of board meetings and the necessary administrative support.

The requirement for trustees to wholeheartedly assent to, and protect, the organisation’s doctrinal statement, and to be conversant with its constitution and governing document, are rightly emphasised. The Charity Commission’s extensive web-based guidance for charities and trustees is helpfully signposted.

In summary, this is a helpful starter manual for a novice trustee. Recent disasters might not have happened if ‘the seven rules’ had been followed. These are also transferable principles for church councils. I hope it will encourage many to take up the governance baton and faithfully run in this race to the glory of God and the coming of His kingdom.