The Voluntary and Community Sector Code of Governance

Lindsay Driscoll Chair Code Steering Group

Background

• Good Governance: A Code for the Voluntary and Community Sector first published in June 2005 • Inspired by codes and governance principles developed for other sectors such as the Combined Code and Nolan Principles • Voluntary. Sector owned and led.

• Code developed by NCVO, ACEVO, ICSA, Charity Trustee Networks ( now SCC) with the Charity Commission

Revision of the Code

• Code revised 2010-2011 • Started with six high level principles • Consultation at every stage • Survey, working groups, advisory panel • Less prescriptive than before • Simpler language

What is Code?

• Sets out six high level principles of good governance • Under each Principle set out why it is important, relevant law and examples of good practice • Important to distinguish between law and good practice • No formal accreditation process

Versions of revised Code

• Full Code for organisations with paid staff • Full Code mainly for smaller organisations • Pocket version-Principles with short explanation

Version for smaller organisations

• November 2011 launched • Small working group • Addresses specific issues for smaller organisations • Proportionate governance – doing – managing – governing • Jargon Buster

Version for smaller organisations

• Smaller organisations may not have access to advice so detailed list of resources of advice on line with links • Also exercises such as quizzes, case studies, simple tools to bring alive

Principles

An effective board will provide good leadership by • understanding their role-what they are responsible for and what they have to do • doing what the organisation was set up to do • working effectively both as individuals and as a team. • behaving with integrity • exercising effective control • being open and accountable

Website

• Three versions • Case studies. How are boards using the Code • Resources.-Toolkit, Quizzes, model policies • Links • Sign up. • How used. Important to monitor impact

Next steps

• Sub sectors and umbrella groups encouraged to produce tailored versions – Code for Students Unions.

– Sports organisations • Other sub sectors?

– Code of Conduct for Social Enterprises published in Scotland – Faith based organisations ?

• Code used internationally