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Refreshed Charity Governance Code strengthens focus on behaviours and inclusion

The updated Code gives clearer guidance to help charity boards improve how they lead and make decisions.

What’s new in the Code

The updated Charity Governance Code sets out eight core principles for charity boards. It helps trustees think about how they work together, make decisions and manage risk.

The new version puts more emphasis on board behaviours and culture. It highlights how ethics, decision making and inclusion support strong governance.

The Code is voluntary. Charities can use it to reflect on how they meet good governance standards and explain how they apply the principles.

How the Code was developed

The Code was created by a cross-sector steering group, with NCVO providing secretariat support. It draws on feedback from trustees, charity leaders and governance professionals.

Next year, an interactive online version will launch, with tailored case studies and resources for different sizes and types of charities.

Using the new Code

Charities are encouraged to start using the new Code now. It helps boards review how they work and identify where they can improve. Trustees should also include a short statement in their annual report explaining how they use the Code.

The Code helps boards improve how they work and make their organisations more inclusive.

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