Opinions invited on Third Sector Governance Code
The Scottish Governance Code for the Third Sector was developed in 2018 and sets out five broad principles of good governance that act as a point of reference for trustees in carrying out their role. They can be summarised under the following broad headings: Organisational Purpose; Leadership; Behaviour; Control; Effectiveness.
The Code explains why these five principles matter and provides a statement of best practice on what good governance looks like. It’s designed to work for charities, community groups and social enterprises across Scotland, whatever their shape and size, and can make a real difference to the work of a board.
Four years on from the launch of the Code, there’s been so much change in society and our sector, Scotland’s Third Sector Governance Forum are now looking for your views on whether the Code is still fit for purpose. After COVID-19, so much digital change, the climate crisis, and a global demand for greater equality, diversity and inclusion, the Forum want to review the Code and you can help by completing this survey by 30 June 2022. The survey is hosted by SCVO.
If you’re a committee member or a trustee, or you work or volunteer in the sector, please submit your thoughts. Whether you’ve used the Code or not, or you’re new to a local management committee, or you’re a full-on governance geek that’s been on large charity boards for many years, the Forum want your views. This will help inform recommended improvements for a refreshed Governance Code for the third sector in Scotland.
Tracey Bird, Information Officer at SCVO, said,
'Our sector has faced many challenges over the last few years, and we all remember the tabloid headlines about charity failures that could have been avoided if governance had been stronger and better. Good governance matters, and our Code helps to maintain trust and confidence in our sector. Help us to keep the Code up-to-date and let us know what works and what needs changing by completing the survey. That way we can continue to strengthen third sector governance in Scotland and maintain public trust and confidence. It’ll be great to hear from you.'