Using the 2025 Charity Governance Code

The refreshed Charity Governance Code was published on 3 November 2025. The main differences from the 2017 version:

• One code for all sizes, in place of separate versions for larger and smaller charities
• Eight principles, including a new Foundation principle on trustees' legal duties. The Code still works on an apply or explain basis
• More attention to how boards behave

The Code starts from the legal duties and builds good practice on top of them, which is why it works well as the basis for a short board self-assessment.

If your board hasn't looked at it yet, one principle per meeting is a manageable way to start. The Code is free to read online, and free resources are available, including a Charity Code toolkit from the Chartered Governance Institute.

Scottish charities may find the Scottish Governance Code for the Third Sector a better fit.

General guidance, not legal advice.