The Charity Governance Awards 2020 WINNERS

Older Citizens Advocacy York were the winners in the – Improving Impact – category for charities with 0-3 paid staff.

Why we won

The judges thought OCAY did really well in improving impact measurement as well as its governance, ensuring the board had the skills and information it required to function at its best. Judges praised the determination of trustees to learn more about organisational impact; trustees made sure they had clear pathways and processes to obtain and make use of users’ feedback on services, including things like ‘ease of access’, etc. Judges were also struck by the ability of the organisation to develop well thought-through measurement tools, which have enabled the charity to compare baseline information about clients with post-intervention feedback, and get an overall sense of the change the organisation is affecting for clients as a result. The judges also recognised the ability of trustees to use evidence to support changes in strategy like helping clients with claims for benefits. More specifically, judges noted that trustees have been very effective in using the learning emerging from their work with clients to better understand clients’ unmet needs, and have shaped the organisational strategic priorities and fundraising efforts accordingly.

It’s an amazing accolade for OCAY to receive this national award and is all thanks to our amazing team of volunteers, trustees and staff. Well done to you all.

It was a wonderful experience watching the virtual ceremony and for OCAY to win. You can catch up on the excitement using the links below.

You can watch the ceremony here

Highlights from Twitter here

Charity Manager acceptance speech