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Course Summary

Our timely Charity Governance Essentials online training course offers expert guidance on the upcoming revised Charity Governance Code, set to be published in Autumn 2025. While the seven core principles remain, the updated Code sets clearer and more robust expectations in key areas such as board culture, digital governance, equity and inclusion, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.

Designed to equip you with knowledge and tools to meet these new standards, this course helps you strengthen governance across your charity.

Discover how organisational culture, equity, and inclusion are vital to achieving accountability and transparency. Gain practical insights into how boards can actively foster a safe, ethical, and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and empowered.

Learn how to embed digital governance, align your charity with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and deepen your approach to stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusive decision-making.

Leave the day with clear strategies and an action plan to improve accountability, build stakeholder trust, and ensure full compliance with the updated Code.

Trainers

Matt Radford

Deputy Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee

Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF)

Who should attend

This training is designed for those responsible for the governance, oversight, and strategy of charities and not-for-profit organisations.

It will be suitable for those who are new to charity governance and looking for a comprehensive overview, as well as experienced trustees or executives who seek to refresh or strengthen their governance practices.

Online Training

Participate in live training online
Group work and practical scenarios
Course materials

I found it really valuable to be around others in the same position as myself, sharing common challenges faced by charity sector
Louise Hallam, Yorkshire Adoption Agency

Very good information. I learned a lot. Also enjoyed the breakout session.
Frank Anti, Lewisham Multilingual Advice Service

This was an excellent balance between learning and networking.
Naomi John, The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK

Very interesting and useful to be in a session with likeminded peers experiencing the same challenges.
Lynne Maltman, Music Support

Course Outcomes

Gain a clear understanding of the refreshed Charity Governance Code
Embed equity and inclusion and safeguarding into decision-making and governance culture
Improve organisational resilience by managing risk and effective digital governance
Enhance trustee performance and board effectiveness
Develop an action plan to embed good governance in your charity

Agenda

09:30 – 09:45

Welcome and Introduction to the Day

Matt Radford

Deputy Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee , Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF)

09:45 – 10:30

Overview of the Charity Governance Code

Autumn 2025 Update
Key governance principles and what they mean for your charity
The impact of AI and the Fundraising Code

10:30 – 11:00

Board Development, Organisational Purpose and Resilience

Duties, responsibilities, and reporting obligations of the trustees
Aligning mission and purpose with strategy and decision making
Building organisational resilience and preparedness
Where to get support

11:00 – 11:15

Morning Break

11:15 – 12:15

Equity, Inclusion and Safeguarding

Diversity in recruitment and decision making
Embedding EDI in board culture
Trustee responsibilities for safeguarding
Creating a culture that is safe and inclusive

12:15 – 13:15

Lunch

13:15 -13:45

Digital Governance

Digital strategy, cybersecurity and data protection – can you effectively leverage technology while safeguarding stakeholder information
Effective risk management

14:00 – 14:30

Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement

Building on the principle of openness and accountability
Including the views of service users, volunteers and the wider community to inform decision-making and strategy

14:30 – 14:45

Afternoon Break

14:45 - 15:15

Applying the Charity Governance Code: Best Practices

Working effectively as a board
Case study: example of good and poor practice

Breakout group activity: work through a case study with your colleagues

15:15 - 15:45

Action Plan and Final Discussion

Summary of key takeaways
Developing an action plan

15:45

Close of Course

Course Leader

Matt Radford has nearly 20 years’ experience working in the charity sector, across a variety of roles and countries. The last 10 years Matt has specialised in charity codes of practice, especially in relation to how they fundraising practice supports the most vulnerable in society.

Matt is the Deputy Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee for the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF). He is also a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA) committee within the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Matt is CEO of Vulnerable Paths and he speaks internationally at events and conferences as a vulnerability specialist, and works with professional groups, regulators and organisations to advise on how to work with people in vulnerable circumstances.

Matt Radford

Deputy Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee

Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF)

CPD

This course is CPD Certified.

Contribute 6 hours towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and receive a certificate of attendance.

In-house Training

This course can also be offered as in-house team training. Find out more about our tailored training solutions by contacting us at learning@westminsterinsight.com

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Charity Governance Essentials

Online Training

Course Summary

Testimonials

Course Outcomes

Agenda