The Refreshed Charity Governance Code

The Charity Governance Code was refreshed on 3 November 2025 and it replaces the version that had guided UK charities since 2017.

A cross-sector steering group led the update, which included ACEVO, the Association of Chairs, the Chartered Governance Institute and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, with the Charity Commission as an observer.

If you are a charity trustee or board member read on to see what has changed.

What is the Charity Governance Code and why was it refreshed?

The Charity Governance Code is a voluntary governance framework built for charity trustees across UK charities. The official Charity Governance Code website states that meeting its principles reassures funders, regulators and the public that a charity is well governed.

The Code draws on Charity Commission guidance but stays separate from statutory rules. First published in 2005, this is the fifth edition, built to support good governance.

What changed in the 2025 refresh?

The refreshed Code sets out eight universal principles and adds 41 outcomes describing what good governance looks like in practice.

The new Foundation principle asks trustees to understand their roles and responsibilities, meet legal and regulatory requirements, and keep the charity’s mission central to decisions. Now, Ethics and Culture replaces the old Integrity and Openness and Accountability principles, while Managing Resources and Risks covers risk management and internal control.

Additionally, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principle expects trustees to act swiftly to identify and stop inappropriate behaviour. The Code also names digital capability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and environmental responsibility for the first time.

Does the Code apply to every charity regardless of size?

The refreshed Code applies to charities of all sizes through one unified governance framework, replacing the previous separate codes for larger and smaller charities. Charities can follow an apply or explain approach by applying the Code’s practices or explaining what they do instead.

This is different to the comply or explain approach used in the FRC UK Corporate Governance Code, which applies to listed companies and their board of directors and audit committees. Governance professionals should keep the two terms separate.

What should trustees do to implement the refreshed Code in 2026?

Trustees can check current practice against the eight principles and write down any gaps. Also, charities that adopt the Code can include a short statement in their annual report explaining how they use it. Monitoring and reviewing governance at each board meeting helps trustees keep pace with the Code’s expectations.

How does the refreshed Code fit with other 2026 developments?

The Charity Statement of Recommended Practice, known as SORP, took effect on 1 January 2026, according to Charity Commission guidance. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s updated Equality Code of Practice came into force in August 2026, giving charities a new statutory reference point.

The Charity Commission has also redesigned its conflicts of interest guidance. Charities in England and Wales directed £100 billion towards their charitable aims in 2024, supported by 1.6 million employees and 6 million volunteers.

Conclusion

The refreshed Charity Governance Code gives trustees one clear governance framework built around eight principles and a stronger focus on behaviour. Boards that treat the update as a genuine review will find it easier to show good governance to funders, regulators and the public.

How Convene helps you evidence the refreshed Code

Good governance depends on evidence trustees can point to at any time. Convene gives board members one secure location for board papers, conflicts of interest declarations, meeting minutes and training records, ready before every board meeting.

Convene also supports clear decision-making processes and a stronger internal control framework, giving trustees an auditable record of board decisions and supporting long term success.

To see how Convene can support your charity’s governance review, book a demo and explore the platform with your team.

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