Irish charities and non-profits are preparing to enter this year’s Good Governance Awards.

The annual awards help organisations grow public trust by showcasing their commitment to transparent and effective governance.

The awards, now in their seventh year, are run by Carmichael Ireland with the support of Newstalk.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Carmichael CEO Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí said the awards help organisations be as good as they can be.

“By good governance we mean doing the right thing in the right way so that we are the best possible organisations we can be and we can achieve the purposes we have been set up to achieve,” he said.

“The awards encourage and recognise good practice.”

Good Governance

He said non-profits will not survive unless they can convince the public they are well run.

“It is important for public trust and confidence in non-profit organisations,” he said.

“Without that public trust and confidence, they won’t be able to sustain themselves. They wouldn’t have people to volunteer every evening to do the football practice with the under-sixes and all of that.

“It is that reassurance that this is well-run organisation.”

Awards

Last year’s award saw a record 124 entries from across the country, with standards increasing in most categories.

Last year’s winners were: Sharing Point, Volleyball Ireland, Marie Keating Foundation, Jigsaw, Central Remedial Clinic and Concern Worldwide.

The awards are based on the quality of an organisation’s annual report and financial statements.

Applications are now open – with all types of non-profits from sports clubs and community groups to social & health service providers and arts organisations encouraged to enter.

All entrants are given expert feedback on how to improve the quality of their annual reports

You can enter your organisation here.