Executive Summary
A review visit was made to Mind in Barnet on 15th April 2003.

About the Charity
The Charity, registration number 295701 is governed by a Memorandum & Articles of Association incorporated 11th July 1985. The objects are to promote the preservation and protection of mental health and to assist in relieving and rehabilitating persons suffering from mental disorder or conditions of emotional or mental distress requiring advice or treatment in the London Borough of Barnet in association with MIND. It was registered on 20th January 1987. Activities in furtherance of the objectives include the provision of advocacy, day centres, counselling, befriending and other support. It operates two centres, which offer a range of services for people with mental health issues, and in addition, it operates an outreach service, for those unable to access the central services.

Agreed Agenda
The discussion was based around the Hallmarks of a Well Run Charity. It focussed on the following modules; Legal Framework, Trusteeship and Governance; Activities and Standards; Financial Management and Controls.

Size of Charity
The latest accounts filed with the Charity Commission are for the year ending 31st March 2002. These show the charity having an income of £755,934 in that year.

Summary of findings and observations
The Review Visit highlighted that the charity implements best practice in a number of areas. In particular we were impressed by the charity's sound proceedures for the recruitment, selection and induction of staff and trustees. We also noted that there are clear lines of responsibility and control within the charity, which makes it easier for the trustees and staff to ensure quality standards are met.

The Commission noted that the charity undertakes a wide range of activities, including complimentary and alternative therapies. The trustees were made aware of the need to ensure all the activities of the charity fall within its objectives.

The charity has gone through a testing financial period, but by working closely with its bankers the trustees are resolving the situation.

Whilst the charity appears on the whole to be well run our Review has highligted some Key Action Points for the charity to carry out, and there are further good practice recommendations contained in the body of the report.

The full report will be available online (for download) in due course. In the meantime, please contact the office for a hardcopy of the report.

View MiB's Examples of Good Practice (9Kb pdf)