Governance Frameworks
Designing and reviewing governance structures for voluntary organisations — accountability frameworks, delegation, and alignment with applicable codes.
Learn more →Governance Advisory
Your waymarker through governance complexity
Cairn Dubh provides independent governance and compliance advice to voluntary organisations, charities, and community groups — helping them build structures that work, meet their legal obligations, and serve their members and beneficiaries well.
What we do
Four areas of governance expertise
Governing Documents
Drafting and reviewing constitutions, articles of association, trust deeds, and rules — for new organisations and those updating existing documents.
Learn more →Compliance Advisory
Advising on charity law, company law, and governance codes — and supporting organisations preparing for OSCR engagement or regulatory review.
Learn more →Trustee & Board Support
Trustee recruitment guidance, induction programmes, governance training, and proportionate board effectiveness reviews.
Learn more →About Cairn Dubh
Practical advice from someone who has been there
Cairn Dubh — Scots Gaelic for 'black cairn' — takes its name from the stone waymarkers placed on Highland paths to guide travellers through difficult terrain. We bring that same clarity to the governance challenges our clients face.
Our director, Ailig Garbh-Dòmhnallach, has been involved in the governance and administration of voluntary organisations since their mid-teens — across community development, youth work, cultural organisations, and more. When you engage Cairn Dubh, you work directly with them.
About the firmOur values
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01
Integrity
We tell clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.
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02
Rigour
Our advice is grounded in evidence, best practice, and considered judgement.
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03
Independence
We have no affiliations that could compromise the objectivity of our advice.
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04
Partnership
We work alongside our clients, not at arm's length from them.
Insights
Thinking on governance and compliance
Ready to strengthen your governance?
We work with voluntary organisations of all sizes. If you would like to discuss an engagement, we would be glad to hear from you.