In our latest governance blog, we look at the first speech from the new Chair of the Charity Commission, Dame Julia Unwin.
Drawing on her extensive experience in the voluntary sector and on the boards of regulatory and public bodies, Dame Julia described charity status as a social contract. She referred to it as a “kind of common treasure, not owned by any one of us, but sustained by all of us, and from which we all benefit”.
She highlighted that while registered charities receive public trust, legitimacy and material privileges, they are also expected to uphold high standards in return, including “probity, lawfulness, stewardship, restraint and seriousness of purpose”. This balance is something all charity trustees should understand and champion.
Dame Julia went on to emphasise the role of boards in maintaining this social contract. Alongside delivering their charitable purposes, trustees should ensure their organisations are governed well and operated with the highest standards of integrity. She also reinforced that the Charity Commission is there to support trustees to “get it right”, with guidance and resources that are continually being reviewed and improved.
Her comments provide a timely reminder of the importance of good governance and of recognising the valuable contribution trustees make across the sector.
The full speech can be found here on the GOV.UK website.
If you need support with the governance of your organisation, contact VODA’s Core Services Team on 0191 323 2040 or email development@voda.org.uk.
