National Code of Good Governance for the Voluntary Sector
Note: Several national Charities led by NCVO have developed a code of good governance. The full document runs to 42 pages. The 7 principles are summarised here. The code is more suited to large and/or established organisations.
You can downlaod a copy of the page here – National Governance Code
Principle 1: Board leadership
Every organisation should be led and controlled by an effective Board of trustees which collectively ensures delivery of its objects, sets its strategic direction and upholds its values.
The supporting principles are:
- The role of the Board
- Strategic direction
Principle 2: The Board in control
The trustees as a Board should collectively be responsible and accountable for ensuring and monitoring that the organisation is performing well, is solvent, and complies with all its obligations.
The supporting principles are:
- Compliance
- Internal controls
- Prudence
- Managing risk
- Equality and diversity
Principle 3: The high performance Board
The Board should have clear responsibilities and functions, and should compose and organise itself to discharge them effectively.
The supporting principles are:
- Trustee duties and responsibilities
- The effective Board
- Information and advice
- Skills and experience
- Development and support
- The chief executive
Principle 4: Board review and renewal
The Board should periodically review its own and the organisation’s effectiveness, and take any necessary steps to ensure that both continue to work well.
The supporting principles are:
- Performance appraisal
- Renewal and recruitment
- Review
Principle 5: Board delegation
The Board should set out the functions of sub-committees, officers, the chief executive, other staff and agents in clear delegated authorities, and should monitor their performance.
The supporting principles are:
- Clarity of roles
- Effective delegation
- Terms of reference
- Monitoring
Principle 6: Board and trustee integrity
The Board and individual trustees should act according to high ethical standards, and ensure that conflicts of interest are properly dealt with.
The supporting principles are:
- No personal benefit.
- Dealing with conflicts of interest.
- Probity
Principle 7: Board openness
The Board should be open, responsive and accountable to its users, beneficiaries, members, partners and others with an interest in its work.
The supporting principles are:
- Communication and consultation
- Openness and accountability
- Stakeholder involvement