1.
Trustees’ Week 2020
Refreshing the Code
Dan Francis, Lead governance consultant, NCVO
Pari Dhillon, Consultant reviewing the Diversity Principle
Rosie Chapman, Independent chair CGC steering group
Supported by: Group members Observer

2.
What we will cover
• The journey so far and a recap on the consultation
• Sharing updates to the integrity principle
• Practical findings from work on the diversity principle
• Updates to the diversity principle
• Next steps and plans for publication
• Questions

3.
The journey so far

4.
Public consultation findings
• Wide ranging public consultation with over 130 substantive responses and feedback from
over 800 organisations and individuals.Together with a series of in-depth focus groups.
• 84% of respondents to the main consultation were very satisfied or satisfied with the Code
the Code compared with 42% of the Small Charities Coalition survey respondents.
• Strong support (85% of respondents to the main consultation) supported the idea of a
refresh approach.
• Clear that the understanding and meaning of integrity has evolved to incorporate ethics
and the right to be safe.
• Strong engagement with themes surrounding diversity, inclusion, equity and equality and a
steer that the Code could go further.

5.
Changes to integrity principle
Principle: Updated to emphasise ethics and culture
‘The board acts with integrity, adopting values, applying ethical principles to decisions ,
and creating a welcoming and supportive culture which helps achieve the charity’s
purposes…’
Rationale: Significantly refocused to from just funds and assets to cover the ‘right to be
save’ and personal behaviours of trustees.
‘… Everyone who comes into contact with a charity should be treated with dignity and
respect and feel that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Moreover, those that
lead a charity should exhibit and be held to the highest levels of personal integrity and
conduct…’
Outcomes: Broadening of focus to reflect Ethical Principles language. Including: Creation
of a safe and welcoming environment, the ability of the board to be objective and an
personal behaviours of trustees

6.
Upholding the charity’s values (enhanced)
• Emphasis on ensuring trustee decisions and actions are consistent with stated
• Expectation the trustee code of conduct reflects those values
• Reference to ‘Nolan Principles’ or the ‘Charity Ethical Principles’
Ensuring the right to be safe (new)
• Trustees understand their safeguarding responsibilities
• Establish appropriate procedures, integrate these with risk management and
training
• Ensure everyone in contact with the charity knows how to speak up and raise
Identifying, dealing with and recording conflicts of interest/loyalty (unchanged)
Changes to integrity recommended
practice

7.
• It’s a journey…
• So start with, why?
• Then ask, why don’t we have that now?
• Set some context specific, realistic goals
• (*note on recruitment)
• Take action, review, learn
• Publish performance
• and if brave enough share the learning from mistakes
• It’s an ongoing journey: building, maintaining, learning, improving
What we have learnt from our work on
diversity

8.
What the learning might mean for the
updated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
principle (1)
Clearer outcomes with the board:
• Ensuring EDI principles are embedded and help deliver the charity’s public
benefit
• Composition countering imbalances of power, perspective and
opportunity
• Making good decisions and is more effective because it includes a variety
of perspectives, experiences and skills

9.
Possible changes to Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion recommended practice (2)
Framed around the possible journey a board might take:
• Assessing understanding, systems and culture
• Setting context-specific and realistic goals
• Taking action and monitoring EDI performance
• Publishing performance information and learning

10.
Questions and comments
Supported by:

11.
What we have not done/included?
• The strengths and limitations of a Code
• Supporting guidance and a possible role for other organisations.
• Call to action for others to provide supporting guidance to help charities
on this journey

12.
Next steps
• Finalise the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion wording (test out with critical
friends)
• Aim to publish by the end of the year
• Will review on a regular basis

13.
• Charity Governance Code website
• Details of the consultation and the full report into findings (published
today)
• Blogs from the steering group
More on refreshing the Charity
Governance Code:
Supported by: