Co-Chairing Boards: Changes in the Charity Landscape
How do changes in the charity landscape impact governance on charity boards? And what recent changes have had the greatest impact on chairing a board?
Increased accountability.
In the mid-2010s, public trust in charities was at an all-time low. New legislation was introduced to create higher standards of governance that would combat accountability issues. The Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 strengthened governance structures, including the ability to review trustee appointments, and brought in more transparent and ethical fundraising practices.
Many charities now adhere to the Code of Fundraising Practice, which outlines the ethical management of fundraising campaigns and donor data. The Financial Regulator is reviewing and updating the code from 2022 to 2025, leading to more changes that Chairs must keep on top of.
The Code of Fundraising Practice often works alongside the Charity Governance Code, which recommends best practices in areas such as leadership, integrity, decision-making and risk, board effectiveness, and accountability. Compliance with the Charity Governance Code requires regular self-assessment, trustee training, and enhanced stakeholder transparency.
The introduction of GDPR laws in 2018 required significant investment as data management and protection practices were overhauled. Non-compliance resulted in huge fines, with the ICO issuing around £42m in fines in the UK in the 2020-2021 financial year. Alongside financial damage, GDPR breaches inflict lasting reputational damage.
The media has played a key part in spotlighting compliance successes and failures to the public, making it even more important for charities to demonstrate integrity and effectiveness.
Category:Board Recruitment & Development
Written by
Marie McQuade
Director | Charities
She recruits specialist trustees from all backgrounds and specialises in recruiting boards that exceed. Every client she has ever worked with has recommended Marie to others, recruited more candidates than anticipated from her, and come back to work with her again.
She has three decades of experience as a leader working across health, housing and social justice in the UK and globally.
After volunteering as a graduate for an INGO in India, she embarked upon a career in the charity sector and grew her passion for creating positive change. Marie brings this passion to Peridot, where she prioritises recruiting exceptional leadership because she believes good governance transforms organisations and the lives of their beneficiaries.
Marie also runs board audits, inductions and training and works with organisations from across the UK and Europe. She has a post-graduate qualification in Organisational Development.
She has been a board and committee member, a mentor for a care-experienced young person, a street worker for homeless people and a counsellor for women and girls.
Outside of her professional life, Marie is completing a Creative PhD at Queens University, practising Zen, and parenting three teenage girls (and a cocker spaniel!). She enjoys spending time outdoors, walking, running, and swimming, as well as travelling, reading, watching films, visiting art galleries, and eating fine food.
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