I am delighted that the charity sector’s governance code is now in its 12th year and its 3rd edition. The Commission has supported and endorsed the code since its inception. The latest edition has raised the bar in response to the challenges that the sector has faced over the last two years. And awareness of the code is also growing. It’s good news that the consultation on the updated code received over 200 responses including from key players in the sector.
It’s vital that charities get their heads around governance. Following good governance practices, not just paying lip service but really understanding and applying them, could have averted many of the bad headlines of the last two years. It’s more than ticking the boxes. It’s about attitudes and culture, whether a charity puts its values into practice. It’s about how trustees make decisions and how well they understand what’s going on. We have seen the consequences of failing to do that.
But more than avoiding bad, it’s about realising potential, understanding and maximising the difference you make. Everything in good governance should point to your mission and your strategy for achieving it.
In other sectors – the corporate sector, housing, sport, there are potential financial consequences for not complying with the relevant governance code. The Charity Governance Code doesn’t work like that. It’s not enforced by the regulator. The rule is not ‘comply or explain’ but ‘apply or explain’, recognising the diversity of the sector. The same core principles apply to all charities, but they apply in different ways in terms of tailored good practice.
The code starts with a ‘foundation principle’; it should be a ‘given’ that all trustees understand their legal duties (as explained in The Essential Trustee) and are committed to their cause and good governance. We don’t take trustees’ commitment for granted, but it should be reasonable to expect commitment to translate into finding out about their responsibilities. In practice this is not always the case, and it’s an area where we continue to focus our efforts.
The code then develops seven principles – leadership; integrity; decision making, risk and control; board effectiveness; diversity; openness and accountability; all underpinning organisational purpose. Why these qualities matter should be self-evident. Many of them are also key drivers of trust and confidence, and can help to demonstrate to beneficiaries, funders and donors that a charity is trust-worthy.
It might look like a lot of detail, but start with the principles – what they are; the rationale – why they matter; and the key outcomes – what difference they should make. How they play out in terms of applying recommended practice will depend on the size and shape of your charity.
The bottom line is, good governance is no longer an optional extra. It’s essential to charities’ effectiveness and probably their survival too. Charities need to be able to demonstrate that they take it seriously, allowing it to change the way they operate.
The Charity Governance Code represents a standard of good governance practice to which all charities should aspire. We encourage all charities to read, follow and apply it proportionately to their circumstances. And if you sign up to the code, go public about it on your website or your annual report. Be prepared to stand up and be counted, and see the difference that makes.
47 comments
Comment by Mr Harry Lote posted on
Can same family name be trustees and receive a salary
Comment by Neal Green posted on
It depends on the exact circumstances. But charities need permission for arrangements that benefit trustees or their close family. Trustees must also deal with any conflict of interest. Here is what the Commission's guidance says:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-a-conflict-of-interest-in-your-charity
And here is what the Charity Governance Code says: https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/3-integrity
Comment by John McKellar posted on
Dear Harry,
I'm just a trustee of a small charity - but here's my answer:
When we met a similar issue, our understanding was "Yes, but be very clear about it". In the end, we made a definite split (a trustee stood down).
However, I know of instances where trustees (or their businesses) are paid - for this you need to demonstrate that it was the best value for money for the charity. Get a few quotes and document the decision in formal minutes.
Comment by Karen posted on
The good governance code link in the first paragraph links to an insecure page - is it possible to get the code in pdf so as not to have to go to an insecure page?
Comment by Jon Benjamin posted on
That has been the case for some time, since publication. It's frankly remarkable that a code about good governance can only be accessed by taking a risk with one's computer!
Comment by Ken posted on
can a charity keep awarding contracts to the same company for building works even if there charges are astronomical is this legal do they not have to get seperate quotes for the work to be done
Comment by Ann Abernethie, Trustee since 1996! posted on
Good governance and Best Practice means that for expenditure in excess of an amount agreed by your Trustees, e.g. £5,000, should always go out to more than one supplier, in order to ensure that the Trustees are accountable to their beneficiaries as well as to the Commission. But, be sure that a) all the Trustees are agreed as to exactly what is required, b) a clear Minute of that decision is made in the written records, c) the specification,requirements for the work to be done is spelt out very clearly and unequivacally and d) those bidding for the business have a clear understanding of everything that is required BEFORE the work is begun. Be sure to be clear on costings, timing as well as specifics as to what is to be done/provided. If the Trustees do NOT follow this course of action, the person raising this concern should report the Trustees to the Commission, without hesitation! There is just no excuse! if the Trustees do not not how to implement Best Practice and Good Governance, then they should seek outside advice from other charities or their local C. V. O. In Dorset, we have Dorset Community Action, in Hampshire, we have Community Action, Hampshire both of whom could be contacted even if your charity is not in this area of the country.
Comment by Marilyn Hadley posted on
Is anyone able to tell me if an individual can raise thousands of pounds, when they are not a charity, or a Ltd Company who advertise as a non registered not for profit.
This is an individual who has been raising money over a 17 year period for animals, where the money is being used personally & not for the purpose it was intended.
If they are not a charity, they are not answerable to the Charities
Commission, so who are they answerable to?
If they are advertising as a not for profit, do they have to be registered?
At what amount reached are they forced to register their charitable funds?
I look forward to your response by email. Thank you.
Comment by Marilyn Hadley posted on
Please reply to Hadley-m@sky.com
Thank you
Comment by Jeremy Simmonds posted on
Any ideas as to how I can get a copy without the security system on my computer screaming dire warnings about the website?
Comment by Paul Griffiths posted on
Has a parallel Governance Code Self Assessment template been produced - or is it planned to produce one - as existed with the previous edition of the Code of Governance?
Thank you
Comment by katebell posted on
Hi Paul, for questions about the governance code please contact The Charity Governance Code Steering Group directly https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/about-the-code-1/steering-group-and-sponsors
Comment by Frank Bennett posted on
Paul go to http://www.thedigiboard.co.uk
We have developed a solution that I believe addresses your question. We are seeking charities to pilot a self-assessment questionnaire for the board's self-evaluation as you ask.
Comment by Darren Gosling posted on
My company's Governance is so poor I believe our charity partnership (Charity No: 326568) needs thoroughly investigating by an independent third party - whether that be the Charities Commission or Ernst & Young the company's external auditors.
I raised the matter internally using SAFECALL but the matter was buried.
I contacted whistleblowing@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk on 11th May 2017 but no-one has come back to me.
I would appreciate it if someone could please give me the correct point of contact at the Charities Commission as the misuse of public raised funds by the company should not be allowed to continue.
Comment by katebell posted on
Hi Darren, our helpline is available 10am to midday and 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday, on 0300 066 9197 or you can use this online form on our website https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity/
Comment by Mr.R. Chilvers posted on
I take for granted charity trustees act within the Equality Act 2010. Is this so
Comment by katebell posted on
Hi there, more information on the Equality Act and charities can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-guidance-for-charities
Comment by Jenny Simnett posted on
Can anyone highlight the differences/amendments in this 3rd edition of the Code?
Comment by Amanda McMahon posted on
Hi Jenny, for questions about the governance code please contact The Charity Governance Code Steering Group directly https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/about-the-code-1/steering-group-and-sponsors
Comment by Katy posted on
Simple question.
Can the same person who is the Financial Director and Company Secretary also be a Trustee? Isn't this a conflict of interest!
Comment by Amanda McMahon posted on
Hi Katy - here is our guidance about conflicts of interest: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/conflicts-of-interest-a-guide-for-charity-trustees-cc29
Comment by Lewis Herlitz posted on
Hi
I have a question I am struggling to find an answer for from 'searches'. For annual elections, can a Board of Management promote it's preferred candidates to the exclusion of others, by writing to its members ?
Thank you.
Comment by debbiesteventon17 posted on
Hi Lewis, I am including a link to our guidance 'Charity meetings: making decisions and voting', https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-meetings-making-decisions-and-voting . This explains how decisions can be made legally so that the charity can run effectively. Kind regards, Deb.
Comment by Lewis Herlitz posted on
Thank you but this doesn't address the issue I face. My Board have sent a letter to members promoting their 'favoured' candidates and excluding others. Another group of non Board members have done likewise. This has left 2 candidates who have not been allowed to write to members. I think what the Board has done is wrong and not providing a level playing field.
Comment by Deb posted on
Hi Lewis, unfortunately we can't comment on individual cases through the blog channel. I would advise you to contact us via our form https://forms.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-commission-enquiry-form/ I hope this helps. Deb
Comment by Katy posted on
Also, could you be kind enough to reply to Jenny Simnet's question dated 16th October 2017.
It is not acceptable, nor professional, that questions asked on your site are ignored. They should be acknowledged at the very least.
Your reply is very much appreciated.
Comment by Amanda McMahon posted on
Hi Katy - we've responded, apologies for the delay. Hope it helps - thanks, Amanda
Comment by S Khan posted on
When is Code for 2018 coming ?
Comment by Amanda McMahon posted on
Hi, for questions about the governance code please contact The Charity Governance Code Steering Group directly https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/about-the-code-1/steering-group-and-sponsors
Comment by Mrs Dianna Moss posted on
Hi, if I am in the wrong place for my question I apologise.
Our village trustees hold a committee meeting once a month in the village hall. The villagers have always been allowed to sit in on these meetings, just to listen but not take part. This is the only way we have of knowing what is happening as the minutes are never published.
The committee have now decided that the villagers can no longer attend and the meetings will be closed.
Surely we have a right to know what is being said as what is happening at the village hall is for the villagers.
Comment by Amanda posted on
Hi Dianna - we would advise you to contact the charity directly to discuss this. You should be able to find the contact details for the charity on our public register: http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/showcharity/registerofcharities/RegisterHomePage.aspx
Kind regards, Amanda
Comment by Gemma posted on
Hello, we are a small registered charity with a project that will cost in excess of £5,000. However each individual aspect will be less than £1,000 from different suppliers. Do we have to get three quotes for each element as the whole project is over £5,000?
Thank you
Comment by debbiesteventon17 posted on
Hi Gemma, the £5,000 figure actually refers to the income that your charity will take in as funding, not how much projects will cost. I am including a link to our guidance 'Get funding to start a charity' https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-funding-to-start-a-charity , and 'How to register a charity' https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-register-your-charity-cc21b, which explain more. Deb
Comment by Charityuk posted on
your article Awesome Thanks for this information, very informative as well as Modern.
Comment by Zuky posted on
Hello,
I’ve just found out Our school treasurer takes the takings home after school events without it being counted or signed off by anyone. Apparently this has been the practice for the last few years. I’m concerned about this not being good practice. I approached my PTA chairman who had forwarded my email to the whole PTA of the school. How do I get some advice on best way to deal with this plz
Comment by Amanda posted on
Hi - find out how to complain about a charity https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity
Kind regards, Amanda
Comment by Fred Brookes posted on
Hello, it has been suggested that our registered charity should appoint the position of Senior Independent Trustee. This has been mentioned in the Charity Governance Code but does not seem to be in the current edition. Can you point me to any guidance on the responsibilities and duties of a SIT please?
Comment by Deb posted on
Thank you for your query.
I’m afraid that we don’t have guidance on the role of Senior Independent Trustee. Our understanding is that this role would appoint someone who can act as an independent voice, critical friend and sounding board for other trustees. We have yet to review the position in detail though and have no current guidance. A general online search may provide some further information for you or you could try contacting other sector bodies such as ICSA – The Governance Institute.
https://www.icsa.org.uk/
All charity trustees have the same legal duties (which is why we don’t generally say much about different roles on a board).
Kind regards, Deb
Comment by Mr C. posted on
A New Year’s challenge
Unfortunately, I have seen more bad governance at charities than good. A strong personality chair in a cozy relationship with an incompetent (or worse) head is not uncommon. I have seen this lead to bad and catastrophic outcomes. How does the CC plan to build better compliance with the intent if the code? -Especially with respect to having the right combination of: talent on the board and also a culture of challenge and diligence?
And the charities commission itself is not clearly effective. I and others I know have complained about errant charities and the CC itself. -To deafening silence. What resources and authority do you actually have? Will you be transparently accountable in 2019? Thank You
Comment by Mark Ross posted on
I cannot find The essential trustee or Charity Governance code on your website, lots of talk about reading them lots of blogs and comments, but where are these documents. Rather poor website when even a search under your search icon cannot find your core guide documents
Comment by Deb posted on
Hi Mark, thank you for your feedback. Here is a link to the Charity Governance Code https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en , and to The Essential Trustee https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3
Kind regards, Deb
Comment by M Jones posted on
Hi, I'm a Trustee of a small to middle size charity and we would like to set up a volunteer and fund raising group similiar to a schooks PTA. If a Trustee wanted to set up the group would there be any problems such as conflict of interest? I have read through the conflicts of interest link but can not seem to find an answer.
Many thanks,
Comment by Deb posted on
Hi, in order for your query to be answered properly by the appropriate team, I would advise you to contact us by completing our enquiry form. I have included a link below:
https://forms.charitycommission.gov.uk/enquiry-form/
Or, if you prefer, you can call our Contact Centre on 0300 066 9197. It is open between Monday to Friday, 10am to midday and 1pm until 3pm.
Kind regards, Deb.
Comment by Guy posted on
I've been hunting through the site and publications trying to find an answer to what is hopefully a simple question.
I am a Trustee of a charity for which we employ a general manager and several members of staff. Each year, when it comes to setting our budget, the general manager presents an overall, combined figure for salaries. Is there a duty of care on Trustees to be able to see and set (and approve of) individual salaries?
I'd be grateful for a link to any advice on this.
Kind regards, Guy
Comment by Deb posted on
Hi
This would be a decision for the trustees to make as they are ultimately responsible for the charity, and should at least have oversight of this kind of information.
You might find the following links to our guidance useful:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-staff-how-to-employ-paid-workers
and section (4.1) of : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-charity-assets-and-resources-cc25/managing-charity-assets-and-resources
Kind regards, Deb
Comment by B posted on
I am the new Chairperson of a primary school PTA. How do I obtain a copy of our constitution - governing document? Thank you
Comment by Deb posted on
Hi, please call our Contact Centre on 0300 066 9197. They are open Monday to Friday, 10am to midday and 1pm until 3pm, and will be able to help you further. Kind regards, Deb.