Research and Analysis Case Studies

Governance Review – Devon County Agricultural Association

Supporting a major charitable organisation to modernise its governance structure

Buckman Associates supported the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) in undertaking a comprehensive governance review to ensure its organisational structures remained fit for purpose, aligned with best practice and capable of supporting the long-term future of the Association.

Working alongside the Governance Review Committee, legal advisers and auditors, the project examined the effectiveness of existing governance arrangements, benchmarked them against comparable organisations and developed recommendations for a modernised governance structure.

What was required

The Association recognised that governance expectations within the charity sector had evolved significantly, particularly around trustee responsibilities, accountability, risk management and compliance with the Charity Governance Code.

The review was commissioned to:

• assess whether existing governance arrangements remained effective
• evaluate compliance with modern charity governance expectations
• reduce governance and trustee risk
• improve accountability and decision-making structures
• preserve strong member and volunteer engagement whilst modernising governance processes

The project also required extensive consultation with Council members to ensure that future recommendations reflected both legal requirements and the culture and values of the Association.

Our role

Buckman Associates provided independent research, analysis and consultation support throughout the review process.

Our work included:

• governance benchmarking against comparable agricultural and charitable organisations
• analysis of governance effectiveness and legal responsibilities
• stakeholder engagement and facilitation of consultation events
• review of governance structures, trustee arrangements and decision-making processes
• development of options for future governance models
• support in shaping recommendations for a revised governance framework

The consultation process involved multiple engagement sessions with Council members, helping to build consensus around the need for change whilst ensuring the importance of volunteer involvement and member representation remained central to the proposals.

Outcome

The review established a clear roadmap for governance modernisation, including proposals for a revised Board and Advisory Council structure aligned with charity governance best practice.
The work helped provide the Association with a robust foundation for future governance reform whilst retaining the strong member engagement and heritage that are central to the organisation’s success.

Research and Analysis Case Studies