The latest version of the Charity Governance Code has been published, with updated guidance on equality, diversity and inclusion.
The code, which sets out seven principles of good governance practice for charity trustees, was first published in its current form in 2017, replacing the Code of Good Governance.
The latest version, published today, has been revised and updated after user focus groups and a consultation with charities that yielded more than 800 responses.
It says boards should focus on achieving equality of outcomes through their charity purpose and must be diverse themselves.
The code is overseen by a steering group made up of the Association of Chairs, the charity leaders body Acevo, the governance institute ICSA, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, the Small Charities Coalition and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action.
Rosie Chapman, chair of the Charity Governance Code steering group, said: “We know that charities are at varying stages in their efforts to fully adopt the code, including in achieving equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion, and the updated code is designed to help charities on this journey.
“We’ve also heard that charities and boards would like more guidance on how to improve their approach to EDI.
“In response, we are asking charity umbrella and infrastructure bodies to provide more guidance and support to charities, to help them meet the recommended practice in the code.”
The updated code can be found here.