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 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