"In general, compliance means conforming to a rule, such as a specification, policy, standard or law. Regulatory compliance describes the goal that organisations aspire to achieve in their efforts to ensure that they are aware of and take steps to comply with relevant laws and regulations.

We are in an era of increasing governance and regulation with the Charities Act 2009 and the Charities Regulatory Authority being pivotal in that respect. We cannot ignore our legal responsibilities and it is important that we conduct annual reviews of our legal documents and associated policies and procedures.

It is also important that we recognise the need to engage the support of our solicitors and accountants, not just on an "as needs basis" but in an ongoing manner that supports the exercise of our legal duties. The role of our Company Secretary is pivotal in that respect.

There are annual checks and balances that will ensure that an organisation is legally compliant and that the interests of the board and all its stakeholders are fully protected.