Cracking the Code- ideas and inspiration

Using the Cracking the Code bursary.

Good Governance: A Code for the Voluntary and Community Sector ('the Code') provides a framework to improve the way your organisation is led and governed. The first port of call for inspiration to improve your governance should be the 'Code'.

Download a summary of the Code
Download a full version of the Code 
Read more about the Code and the principles 

Case studies

A number of organisations have already used the Cracking the Code bursary to improve their governance.  Read about what they did and how the scheme has helped their work.

You may also find useful ideas and inspiration by reading about other peoples experiences of using the Code:

• Diabetes UK : a review of the boards work using the Code of Good Governance. Read the board case study.
• Voluntary Arts Network : adapting the Code to a specific (and complex) organisational structure. Read the board case study. 
• Grayrigg Coronation Hall: amending the governing document and issues of property ownership. Read the board case study.

Ideas and inspiration

There will be more case studies published over the coming months. Here are also some ideas and inspiration about how you can 'Crack the Code'. Remember, these are just ideas: what you do and how you use the bursary depend on the needs of your organisation. 

• Organise a Board  Away day; bring in an external facilitator and hire a venue.
• Attend training on the latest legal updates or the roles and responsibilities of board members
• Get advice on creating a trustee expenses policy, developing role descriptions for your Board, structuring sub-committees or developing a conflict of interests policy.
• Improve your recruitment and induction systems.  Carry out a skills assessment, develop a recruitment strategy and create trustee induction packs
•  Hold a stakeholder forum to improve strategic planning.
• Carry out a governance review

Cracking the Code bursary scheme is funded by Capacitybuilders as part of the Leadership and Governance National Support Service (NSS).Find out more about this programme.

Back to the Cracking the Code homepage.