Code of Conduct
A trustee code of conduct policy and procedure sets out the standards of behaviour and the values that we all expect from one another. It should be designed to give a reference framework so that all trustees act with integrity and in the best interests of the organisation. A well-structured code of conduct can include:
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities - trustees must comply with relevant laws (e.g. charity law) and act honestly with accountability and integrity in mind
- Conflicts of Interest - clear guidance on identifying and managing conflicts. Sometimes this is included in this policy, or more often, it can be a stand-alone document
- Decision-Making - trustees should make informed, fair, and transparent decisions, acting in the interests of the charity
- Confidentiality - protecting sensitive information
- Board Conduct - encouraging respectful and constructive discussions and behaviours, helping to prevent problems
- Social Media and Public Communications - ensuring appropriate comms by authorised people, managing the associated reputational risks
- Values and Principles - reflecting those of the organisation
- Breaches of the code - procedures and consequences (see below)
Handling breaches
A code of conduct will include a section on correcting breaches of the code and taking action to help prevent them occurring again. It is a consistent framework for decision-making, interactions, and problem resolution.
Further resources and links
Argyll & Bute TSI - Code of Conduct
Engage Renfrewshire - Code of Conduct
SCVO - Code of conduct download from the Guidance and templates page
DIY Committee Guide - Code of Conduct
Scotland’s third sector governance forum – Board behaviour
For further free, well-informed information, find your local Third Sector Interface (TSI) at the directory page here