PCVS Trustees/Trustees Code of Governance...

 

The Code is a set of principles which ensure that the highest possible standards of governance are set for the voluntary and community sector. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of trustees and provides guidance to ensure effective decision making and accountability.

The code is not mandatory but those organisations that comply with the Code can state this in their annual report and other published materials.

The seven main principles of the Code are:

1. Board leadership - every organisation should be led and controlled by an effective board of trustees which collectively ensures delivery of its objectives, sets strategic direction and upholds its values.

2. The board in control - the trustees as a board should collectively be responsbile and accountable for ensuring that the organisation is performing well, is solvent and complies wiht all its obligations and monitoring this.

3. The high performance board - the board should have clear responsibilities and functions, and should compose and organise itself to discharge them effectively.

4. Board review and renewal - the board should periodically reivew its own and the organisation's effectiveness and take any necessary steps to
ensure that both continue to work well.

5. Board delegation - the board should set out the functions of sub-committees, officers, the chief executive, other staff and agents and should
monitor their performance.

6. Board and trustee integrity - the board and indivdual trustees should act according to high ethical standards and ensure that conflicts of interest are properly dealt with.

7. Board openness - the board should be open, responsive and accountable to its users, beneficiaries, members, partners and others with an interest in its work.

To download the full Code of Governance go to the Governance Hub www.governancehub.org.uk