Subject: Dealing with board-level conflict

I had major problems with our organisations Board of Trustees which lasted for over a year. This was an awful time not only for the staff but also the benificaries. My advise to you is be strong ensure you get lots of advise from on how your board should be working and this can be found either from the charity commission if you are a charity or go to the business link web site which may be able have some information that could guide you. Talk to other oorganisations in your area also. 

I personally found a Board Member that I could trust and started to work on them slowly by making sure they understood what damage the board was causing to the oraganisation. Once I got this person on board they were able to assess who they could also trust to take the action that was required to bring the board back into positive working mode.

if you require to any other info do not hestitate to contact because during these difficult times you donot realise how much support you personally need even if its only a ear to sound off to.

Gina

Thanks for this insight, Gina. Useful to get a view on how conflict can exist not just within a board but between a board and an organisation's staff. We'll be looking at board-level issues in more detail over the coming months. Keep your eyes pealed for 'In the chair' - a series of interviews with prominent third sector chairs - on the challenges and rewards of governance at this level. Could be useful for people who were in your situation as well.