Don’t let it get personal! Minister for the Third Sector launches CTN’s new publication on codes of conduct for trustees

Potential tensions in the charity board room could now be eased with the help of a new publication from Charity Trustee Networks (CTN). 

Codes of Conduct for Trustees, developed in consultation with trustees and governance experts, will be launched by Kevin Brennan, MP, Minister for the Third Sector, at a parliamentary reception on 19 November.

Our experience tells us that where difficulties such as absenteeism or conflicts of interest arise, it is better if they do not become personal, and with a code of conduct in place issues can be avoided or worked through. Codes of conduct for charity trustees have been around for a number of years, whether specific to a particular sub-sector or developed for an individual charity. While many charities have these in place as a matter of good practice, they are not always used. CTN believed that exploring ways to develop and use codes of conduct more effectively could help prevent or address some of these board issues.

With funding from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Unity Trust Bank, CTN has developed a practical resource to help trustees work well together, and to introduce, develop and use codes of conduct appropriate for their own organisations.  It was written following a series of workshops and events with trustees, a web-based survey, and interviews with a range of consultants, experts and, most importantly, trustees.  It also includes useful tools, signposting to other resources and case studies demonstrating how other charities have used codes of conduct.

Kevin Brennan, MP, Minister for the Third Sector, will launch the resource at a parliamentary reception, which also marks CTN’s 10th anniversary.  “I’d like to congratulate Charity Trustee Networks on its 10th anniversary for the valuable support it provides trustees.  I warmly welcome this new guidance on codes of conduct for charity trustees, which will offer practical help to trustee boards in strengthening their governance arrangements.”

CTN’s Chair of Trustees, Rodney Buse, said, “Codes of conduct really can prevent issues becoming personal and should not be seen as another piece of unnecessary bureaucracy.  We know from our experience that prevention is better than cure.”

 “Trusteeship is a rewarding, and challenging, role.  We hope this publication will support trustees to work well together and to address difficulties where they arise.  We are delighted to have the Minister’s encouragement in our efforts to facilitate shared learning between trustees,” said Karen Heenan, Chief Executive of CTN.

A free copy will automatically be sent by post to everyone who was a trusteenet or trusteenetplus member as of 18 November, courtesy of Unity Trust Bank and CTN.

Sign up as a new trusteenetplus member and receive a free copy of Codes of Conduct for Trustees.  OFFER ENDS 31 DECEMBER!*

A pdf version of the publication is available free from the resources section of our website.