Ethics
Charity ethical principles
NCVO has developed a set of ethical priniciples for the charity sector. These principles provide an overarching framework for voluntary organisations to guide decision-making, good judgement and conduct. Endorsement of the principles is voluntary, but all charities are encouraged to reflect on the principles in their work and decision-making.
How we developed the principles
We developed a set of draft principles for consultation by drawing on existing codes of conduct and ethical principles, including:
- the Nolan Principles of Public Life
- the Code of Ethics for Museums
- The Scouts Association Young People First Yellow Card and Orange Card
- the Charity Governance Code
- the College of Policing Code of Ethics
- the National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics
- the NHS Constitution for England.
The draft was discussed at a roundtable event chaired by Dame Mary Marsh. Participants included representatives from:
- international charities
- small charities
- charity retail
- charity fundraising
- children’s charities
- older people’s charities
- disability charities
- healthcare charities
- charities working with volunteers and/or young people
- sub-sector bodies.
We then ran a consultation to ensure the final version was based on feedback from the widest possible range of organisations. Read a summary of the consultation feedback.
