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Every charity begins with a dream.A dream to change lives, to bring hope, to answer a call of duty.But alongside the dream, important questions often remain: “Are our trustees really guiding the ship?”“Do our accounts tell the full story?”“Are our staff protected and well equipped?”“And when donations—especially Zakat—are entrusted to us, can we prove they reach the people we promise?” These questions led to the creation of the DUA Governance Standards:four outcomes, eighteen criteria, four standard levels, and one clear framework—designed to help charities flourish with integrity. 1. Effective Leadership and Sound Governance Imagine a board of trustees that only meets when something goes wrong.Meetings are rushed, decisions unclear, and reports barely read.Now picture the same board gathering with purpose—reviewing management accounts, reflecting on impact,and setting direction with confidence. “The standards help trustees step into their rightful role, not as silent names on paper, but as guardians of mission and accountability.” 2. High-Level Financial Controls In some charities, funds blur together—donations, Zakat, Sadaqah—until no one can say with certainty where each pound went. The DUA Standards show a better way:robust banking and procurement controls,a clear accounting system,audited accounts submitted on time. “When finances are transparent and controlled, they stop being a burden and become a source of trust.” 3. Skilled and Supported People Behind every charity are people—passionate and committed.But passion needs structure.A strong finance voice in decision making.Qualified staff with fair contracts.A safe way to raise concerns. “When people feel secure and heard, trustees feel informed and the charity grows stronger than any single personality.” 4. Charitable Spending is Transparent and Well-Governed At the heart of every charity is service.Yet without care, even good intentions can drift.Zakat without policy. Partnerships without checks. Projects without feedback. The DUA Standards guide charities to pause and ask: “Is this spend aligned with our purpose? Are we acting on time, with transparency and care?” When the answer is yes,donors feel reassured, beneficiaries feel seen, and the mission shines.A Shared TransformationThe story is not of one charity but of many. “Trustees who once felt overwhelmed now meet with clarity.Accounts that once confused now tell a clear story.Staff who once worried now feel valued.Donors who once doubted now trust.” This is the story of the DUA Governance Standards—not rules for their own sake,but a bridge between intention and impact. Take Your Next Step Join us to see these standards in action: – Online Seminar – October 2025 How to Read Charity Accounts – A Simple Guide for Non-Finance Trustees → Learn to spot risks, ask the right questions and see how the DUA Standards fit your charity. – In-Person Conference – Birmingham, November 2025Governance in Practice: Building Financial Resilience for 2026 and Beyond → Network with trustees and executives, hear case studies, and explore a full DUA Financial Standard review. “Governance is not red tape—it’s the bridge between dream and delivery. Every charity deserves that bridge.” End – Author: Nasir Rafiq is a widely experienced Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and a Charity Financial Governance Expert. He is the Managing Partner of Dua Governance, a Charity Governance specialist accountancy firm. Nasir has held many senior finance positions within the UK charity sector and continues to advise many charities on governance and leadership matters. Email: info@duagovernance.com Website: www.duagovernance.com