CTN's response to ACEVO Inquiry on Governance

Discussion about improving governance in the charity sector must include the views of trustees, said CTN, in response to 'Chief Executives on Governance:  ACEVO Commission of Inquiry 2007', which was launched by ACEVO (The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations) on 29 November.

The report, which is based on interviews with Chief Executives, recommends that charities have more choice of how to govern themselves, which includes choosing governance structures and considering payment to trustees for loss of earnings. It also recommends that the Code of Good Governance be used throughout the sector, and urges more transparency in board recruitment and appraisal. 

CTN welcomed ACEVO's contribution to efforts at improving charity governance, but stressed that the voice of trustees, who are ultimately responsible for their charities' governance, needs to be central in forming any recommendations.

Rodney Buse, Chair of CTN, said "Many charities do not have a CEO, or indeed any staff at all.  There are well over one and a half million trustees and management committee members in England and Wales who play an immensely valuable part in charity governance, and we should recognise their experience and commitment.  The report's recommends, therefore, will need to be consideredin context.  What is right for some organisations may be inappropriate for others.  We should celebrate the many successes in governance in the sector whilst encouraging and supporting continuous improvement."

CTN is capturing the trustee perspective on governance, which will contribute to a wider understanding of the issue.