Annual Reporting Support
Carmichael has delivered many half day workshops on Annual Reports to many groups of organisations nationwide in recent years and we believe that while such workshops deliver some success, many organisations still struggle to turn that learning into the development of quality Annual Reports. We can also see from our experience with the Carmichael Good Governance Awards that there are very few submissions from the smaller organisations, though we have seen an improvement this year. Although it is not a specific ambition of the Programme that participating organisations will enter the awards, we have seen in the last couple of years some organisations that have participated in this Programme have progressed onto shortlists on the Awards, and one organisation went on to win in their category.
Approach
The annual report represents a real opportunity for organisations in the nonprofit sector across Ireland to showcase their transparency and build trust by outlining their performance, governance, culture and financials. An annual report can provide a comprehensive picture of a nonprofit organisation, as well as its achievements and future plans rather than just meeting minimum compliance requirements. An annual report serves to reinforce relationships with stakeholders and build relationships with the public, potential donors, volunteers and supporters.
This Programme proposes that we work with a limited number of organisations on a 1-1 basis offering customised consultancy during the course of 2026 with a view to helping them develop the best Annual Reports that they can.
Target audience
- Community groups/voluntary organisations/social enterprises in the Republic of Ireland. Organisations that have been shortlisted for Carmichael’s Good Governance Awards at any time in the past will not be included.
- Small to medium in size, with an annual turnover of less than €750,000
- A small group (2-3) of representatives (staff/directors/trustees) with sufficient seniority per organisation.
When booking online, only enrol one person and pay one €100 fee, we will subsequently be in touch with you for information regarding other participants from your organisation. The option to avail of the NTF Annual Report Support Programme 2026 is available to 5 organisations only.
Format
Initial two-hours Introductory session per Organisation to cover:
- Walk through of the different sections of an annual report.
- Planning & preparation – determining the format.
- Telling the organisation’s story and its impact of its work.
Subsequent to the above session the group and the facilitator will agree timelines for the production and reviewing of drafts of the Report. The facilitator will be available to advise and comment on drafts produced by the organisation.
Dates & times for the initial sessions and for engagement on early and developed drafts to be agreed between the organisation’s main contact and facilitator. A maximum of 10 hours support will be provided to any one organisation.
Methodology
Via Zoom.
The funding for the provision of these services comes from the National Training Fund administered by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science. The €100 nominal charge is by way of contribution. All participants will be asked to provide further information regarding Age Range, Gender, Employment Status, Educational Background, Role in Organisation, Organisation Activity & Size post registration.
Instructor
Senan Turnbull
Senan Turnbull has been a Trainer and Facilitator of governance and organisational development for community, voluntary and charity organisations since 2011. He has delivered hundreds of training sessions on both the Governance Code for Sport and the Charity Regulator’s Code including ‘Train the Trainers’. Senan has extensive experience of membership of Boards from local to national level for almost 50 years including the Charities Regulatory Authority 2014-17 and Chair of the Consultative Panel on the Governance of Charities 2017-18He has been the facilitator of this Programme since its inception in 2023.
Fees
| €100 | Nonprofit Organisation |
| €100 | Carmichael Resident Organisation |
| €100 | Statutory Organisation |
| €100 | Corporate Organisation |
Testimonials
It helped us to review and make changes to our policies and procedures giving us better governance.
The delivery of training was excellent
There was lots of discussion and that helped me understand better what was needed - it gave focus and the result was a more streamlined annual report.
Senan gave practical, easy to follow advice and it is all the more easy to implement as he is involved so heavily in the community and voluntary sector. He knows what he is talking about!
Greater confidence and ability to put together a good annual report and great advice and tips for next year's annual report.