The Charity Governance Code Relaunch: A Clearer, More Practical Guide for Today’s Trustees

A refreshed and practical approach to strengthening governance across the charity sector

The Charity Governance Code was introduced several years ago alongside a practical toolkit designed to support trustees in strengthening the way their charities are governed. It quickly became an invaluable resource, providing clear guidance on what good governance looks like and how it can be achieved in practice. However, for some trustee boards, the structure of the original Code could feel a little complex and its comprehensive nature occasionally made it challenging to use as a regular due diligence tool.

Relaunched, refreshed

The Code has now been redesigned and relaunched, with the improvements being immediately apparent. The refreshed version is clearer, more accessible and more adaptable to the needs of organisations of different sizes and stages of development. The expanded headings and updated structure make it easier for boards to navigate, while the addition of practical sections such as Behaviours, Policy, Processes and Practice, and Suggested Evidence and Assurance provide a far stronger foundation for reflection and improvement.

At Wirral CVS, we are particularly pleased to see the inclusion of the Suggested Evidence and Assurance section. This part of the Code offers straightforward examples of how boards can demonstrate good governance in action. It can easily be used as a checklist or self-assessment tool, helping trustees identify what is already working well and where improvements could be made, with minimal additional effort.

Trustees Week 2025

The timing of this relaunch also aligns perfectly with Trustees’ Week, which celebrates the vital contribution trustees make to charities across the UK. It’s a timely reminder of the importance of good governance and the role that effective boards play in ensuring charities are well-run, accountable and resilient.

Trustees’ Week provides an opportunity to recognise the commitment and expertise of those who volunteer their time to guide charitable organisations, and the updated Code gives them an improved framework to support that work.

Take a look

The updated Charity Governance Code represents an important step forward for the sector. It continues to encourage transparency, accountability and effectiveness, but now in a way that feels more practical and achievable for all charities, regardless of their size or experience.

You can explore the new Code and its supporting materials on the official website: www.charitygovernancecode.org