Sandra P.
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Answer to: How should we develop an annual budget aligned with our strategic goals?
The incremental approach is common but risky. The NAF recommends a more purposeful approach:Start with your strategic plan — what activities and investments do you need to fund to achieve your goals?Use...
Answer to: Are CSOs in T&T required to have an annual external audit?
I heard there's a threshold — smaller organisations don't have to. But I'm not sure what the cut-off is.
Answer to: How do we set up a complaints and grievance procedure for our beneficiaries?
We've had situations where beneficiaries were unhappy but didn't know how to raise it formally. We handled it informally but I know that's not ideal.
Answer to: How should we approach performance management for our small staff team?
We do annual reviews but they always feel like a formality. Nobody really changes anything afterwards.
Answer to: Why is having a complaints process important for a CSO?
Complaints feel like a negative thing — like admitting something is wrong. Is there a positive way to think about it?
Answer to: What are the key responsibilities of a CSO Board of Directors?
The board is basically responsible for strategy and making sure the organisation is going in the right direction. Day-to-day stuff is for management.
Answer to: How do we communicate effectively with our stakeholders?
Different stakeholders want different things — donors want reports, beneficiaries want to see results, the public wants to trust us. It's hard to communicate with all of them at once.
Answer to: What is the National Accountability Framework (NAF) and how do I use it?
We attended a workshop on it. I think it's meant to be a guide, not a legal requirement — but I could be wrong.
Answer to: How long is an NPO’s Certificate of Registration valid, and do we need to renew it?
I believe it's valid for five years and then you have to renew it. We had to do this a couple of years ago for our organisation.
Answer to: How do we manage conflicts of interest on our board?
We've had situations where a board member's family owns a business that the NGO uses. Nobody said anything. I'm not sure what the right approach is.