Changes made to the Code arising from Public Consultation

This Code is a product of the extensive feedback during the public consultation held from May 16th to July 29th 2011.

Over that period, a total of 112 written submissions were received whilst the Working Group engaged with over 140 additional groups/interests via workshops, webinars and emails.

The feedback represented a hugely diverse response, comprising input from individual charities, voluntary and community organisations, umbrella representative bodies, fundraisers, grant-makers, government departments, lawyers, trainers, educational institutions, students of post-graduate studies on the Third Sector, accountants, non-profit practitioners, retired public service officials, politicians and members of the public.

You can see the list of those who participated in the consultation here.

So what are the key changes?

Essentially, the principles of the Code remain the same whilst the presentation has been made more reader and user friendlier as a result of the following:

• A new Organisation classification - Types A, B and C.

• Simpler language for all manner of groups.

• Clearer implementation actions and guidelines for all organisation types.

• More clarity around definition of good governance which is practical, proportionate, applicable and rigorous.

• Guidance notes to clear what are vague understandings and misunderstandings- of the roles, duties and responsibilities of boards and other governance bodies.

• Self-assessment checklists for organization in relation to their Governance requirements. Checklist for organisation type A.| Checklist for organisation type B.| Checklist for organisation type C.

• Creation of resources on governance.

• Explanation of Terms for further understanding.

• Easy to read format.

Sign the one-page Governance Code Principles Statement.