Last month, a refreshed Charity Governance Code was published strengthening focus on behaviours and inclusion.
THE CHARITY GOVERNANCE CODE
Developed by a cross-sector steering group, the refreshed Charity Governance Code provides practical guidance for boards to reflect on how they lead, make decisions and uphold their charity’s purpose.
It remains a voluntary framework rather than a regulatory requirement but is designed to help boards achieve the highest standards of effectiveness and accountability. The code aims to set out clearer expectations of the behaviours, values and processes that underpin good governance in charities of all sizes.
GOOD GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES
Since 2017, this is the most significant update to the Code, including eight core principles for boards to apply flexibly through an apply or explain approach.
The eight principles offer new perspectives on issues related to ethics, decision-making, and risk and resource management, as well as a deeper focus on the behaviours that support effective boards, these include:
- Foundation
- Organisational purpose
- Leadership
- Ethics and Culture
- Decision making
- Managing resources and risks
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Board effectiveness
FEEDBACK ON THE CODE
The Code was developed collaboratively by a voluntary steering group of sector bodies and experts, with NCVO providing secretariat support. It was informed by consultation with trustees, charity leaders and governance professionals.
The Chair of the Code’s steering group, Radojka Miljevic, said ‘This is the most significant refresh of the Code in eight years and it could not have been achieved without the thoughtful input of a wide range of charities, professionals and other stakeholders.
We’ve introduced a stronger emphasis on the behaviours that we all understand to be critical to sustaining and developing good governance, and hope this will inspire new reflections on how we all understand good governance.’
Rosie Chapman, former Chair of the steering group, added ‘The Steering Group’s refresh of the Code is a welcome and helpful update. The Code’s evolution builds on a strong foundation, placing it on a new, higher level.’
An interactive online version of the Code will be launched next year to assist boards in researching case studies and resources that are specific to their size and structure.
RESOURCES
For further information and resources on the refreshed Code, please visit the Charity Governance Code website.