How the Great Ouse Rivers Trust built confidence
The Great Ouse Rivers Trust (GORT) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Great Ouse River. The Trust works with communities, volunteers, local authorities, and partners to restore river habitats, promote conservation, and inspire people to value and enjoy their rivers.
Challenge
Established in 2023 as a Community Interest Organisation (CIO), GORT needed to build strong governance, a robust financial system, and a clear strategy to deliver its mission effectively through the employment of its first staff. As a newly established charity, it faced the challenge of building credibility, securing sustainable funding and coordinating efforts across a large and complex catchment area.
Our solution
- Supported the Trustees through the charity’s formative stage, focusing on governance, operational processes and achieving financial sustainability.
- Conducted a comprehensive governance and risk audit to establish best practice frameworks and compliance.
- Established effective board meetings, including a structure for sub-committees to allow the trustees to contribute to the organisation more efficiently.
- Developed budgeting and financial management processes to ensure accountability and strategic oversight in the long term.
- Implemented HR strategies and undertook the recruitment of the charity’s first staff, preparing recruitment strategy and processes.
Results
- GORT now has a clear governance framework for trustee meetings, robust financial systems and a strategy in place to move forward, enabling it to deliver its mission effectively and sustainably over the next three years.
- Built a strong operational base, with new staff and improved HR processes to allow the Trust to move forward.
- Inspired confidence among Trustees, supporting the Trust’s growth and long-term sustainability.
“Kirsten’s expertise has been invaluable in helping us build a strong foundation for the Trust. She doesn’t just identify what needs to be done; she uses her ability to get on and deliver it. As a result of Kirsten’s support, we now have the systems, strategy, confidence and staff in place to deliver our mission and move forward into an exciting next stage for the Great Ouse Rivers Trust.”
Helen Boothman, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Great Ouse Rivers Trust
Ready to achieve similar results?
Our tailored consultancy work can help charities in a similar way to how we have supported GORT over the last year. If you are a new charity, one navigating changes or struggling with capacity or senior leadership expertise, we are here to help.
