plainspoken.
Services

Fixed scope. Fixed fee. Plain language.

Three core engagements built for the realities of small organisations, plus two retainers for boards that want ongoing support.

Board Health Check

From €799 · 3 weeks

We look at how your board actually works - not how the constitution says it should. You get a clear, honest picture of what is working, what is not, and what to do about it over the next twelve months.

What’s included

  • Review of governing documents, board papers, and recent minutes
  • Confidential one-to-one conversations with trustees and key staff
  • A short, anonymous board self-assessment survey
  • Benchmarking against the Charities Governance Code
  • A written report in plain language with prioritised recommendations
  • A live findings session with the board to talk it through
  • A simple twelve-month action plan you can actually follow
Book a discovery call

Governance Foundations

From €1,999 · 6–8 weeks

Everything a small organisation needs to govern itself well, written for your organisation specifically. No template library, no jargon - documents your board will actually use.

What’s included

  • A reviewed and, where needed, redrafted constitution or rules
  • A core policy suite (conflict of interest, safeguarding, finance, data protection, and more)
  • Clear role descriptions for trustees and officers
  • A board calendar and meeting framework
  • A complete, organised board pack you can hand to a new trustee
  • A working session to walk the board through the new framework
  • 30 days of follow-up support after delivery
Book a discovery call

Strategy Reset

From €2,499 · 8 weeks

A strategy your board believes in because they built it. We bring the structure, the facilitation, and the honest questions; you bring the knowledge of your organisation and community.

What’s included

  • A short discovery phase to understand where you are now
  • Consultation with members, staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders
  • A facilitated full-day strategy workshop with the board
  • A clear set of three-year priorities and measurable goals
  • A written, board-owned strategic plan in plain language
  • A one-page summary version for members and funders
  • A simple framework for reviewing progress each year
Book a discovery call

Ongoing support.

For boards that want a steady hand between bigger pieces of work.

Governance Support Retainer

From €450/mo

Ongoing governance advice on call, for boards that want a steady hand between bigger pieces of work.

  • A named adviser who knows your organisation
  • Email and phone support throughout the month
  • A quarterly governance check-in
  • Help preparing for board meetings and AGMs
  • First look at policy updates when the rules change

Board Secretary Services

From €950/mo

We take the company secretary and board administration load off your volunteers, done properly and on time.

  • Meeting scheduling, agendas, and board pack preparation
  • Accurate, timely minutes
  • Action tracking between meetings
  • Statutory filings and registers kept up to date
  • A reliable point of contact for trustees

Common questions.

Do you really work to a fixed fee?

Yes. We scope the work up front and quote a fixed fee. You will know exactly what you are paying and exactly what you are getting before we start. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices.

We’re a small club with almost no budget. Is this for us?

Often, yes - and sometimes, honestly, no. Start with a free discovery call. If a paid engagement isn’t the right answer, we’ll tell you what to do instead.

Do you only work with charities?

No. We work with small charities, sports clubs, and member organisations of all kinds - the groups that run on lean budgets and volunteer time.

Can you work with boards outside the North West?

Yes. We’re based in the North West and work with organisations across Ireland, in person and online.