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A charity trustee code of conduct template for UK charities to lay out your ethics and core values. It also includes tips on how to create and communicate your trustee code of conduct, and make it work well. There isn't a Charity Commission code of conduct for trustees but I have included a link to relevant guidance from them, plus other trustee resources.
A charity trustee code of conduct explains the standards of behaviour that we all expect from each other to ensure our charity is well run and everyone is kept safe. It provides the framework to lead and to manage the culture in your charity.
You can download a more comprehensive version of our charity trustee code of conduct (in Word format), including links to related guidance, plus any of our 65+ other charity policies by clicking the button below. To access similar policies from other providers would cost in excess of £100. All of our policies are free.
You can find a list of all policies, plus guidance on which policies your charity might need on our Charity Policy Template web page. Our policies have been updated to be 'AI Ready' where necessary.
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This charity code of conduct applies to all trustees of our charity. Its requirements should be reflected in trustee induction and training, and other policies and procedures, agreements and contracts, as necessary. Most importantly, it should be reflected in the way we work together and make decisions as a trustee board.
Charity trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity. As charity trustees collectively and individually, we will:
We also have a charity code of conduct template for staff and volunteers. We also have a simple guide on 20 ways to be a good trustee. and a simple guide to the UK Charity Governance Code - What is Governance & How To Do It Well.
There is no specific Charity Commission guidance on trustee conduct but it publishes a range of guidance for trustees. If you need specific guidance, ask our AI Bunny and it'll find it for you.
A registered charity ourselves, the CEF works for any non profit, not just charities.
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This charity trustee code of conduct article is for general interest only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. I'm neither a lawyer, nor an accountant, so not able to provide this, and I cannot write guidance that covers every charity or eventuality. I have included links to relevant regulatory guidance, which you must check to ensure that whatever you create reflects correctly your charity’s needs and your obligations.
In using this resource, you accept that I have no responsibility whatsoever from any harm, loss or other detriment that may arise from your use of my work. If you need professional advice, you must seek this from someone else. To do so, register, then login and use the Help Finder directory to find pro bono support. Everything is free.
If all you do is copy this code of conduct, approve it at a meeting and then file it all you'll get is a charity code of conduct on file. The way people behave is far more about leadership and culture than policies. Therefore, rather than simply using mine, it is far better to have a facilitated discussion with your trustees and volunteers and use this is a checklist of items to talk about in creating your own.
Your trustee code of conduct applies to all trustees, so everyone needs to know about it, particularly those new to your charity. It should form part of everyone's induction. For example, including a copy in a welcome pack or induction briefing/training. On an ongoing basis, it could be built into trustee job descriptions and, potentially, appraisal objectives.
The key to a trustee code of conduct is that it creates a framework but it is the leadership and culture in your charity that delivers it, or not. It is not simply a policy or academic exercise. Your trustees must model the behaviour you expect of others and make your expectations clear. It is also important to cultivate an open, positive culture in which people feel able to speak up and speak out to ensure this is applied not only in trustee meetings but across your charity.
