Using the Code of Governance

Good Governance: a Code of the Voluntary and Community sector (the Code) sets out best practice for governance for the Voluntary and Community sector. The principles of good governance have been designed to be valid for the voluntary and community sector. governance. 

All charities and voluntary and community organisations are encouraged to obtain a copy of the Code, sign up to its principles, publicise their support for and use of the Code and encourage others to do so. For example, an organisation could place a link on its website through to the Code of Governance webpages.

There is no single approach to using the Code. Trustees are encouraged to consider how the Code can best benefit their charity.

Some organisations use the Code to help trustees understand more about their roles and responsibilities. For example, a board could distribute the Code to trustees and hold a briefing or training session to explore the seven main principles of governance.

Some organisations use the Code as a statement or standard of best practice. For example, a charity could carry out a review of its governance arrangements, comparing its practices with the detail of the Code to identify action points. Small organisations might hold a discussion or away day to reflect on how their trustee board’s work meets the seven main principles of the Code.