This applies whether trustees are elected, nominated, or appointed. It is not unduly influenced by those who may have special or personal interests. The board makes objective decisions about delivering the charity’s purposes.The board acts in the best interests of the charity’s purposes and its beneficiaries, creating a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for those who come into contact with it.Trustees and those working for or representing the charity are seen to act with honesty, trustworthiness and care, and support its values.The board safeguards and promotes the charity’s reputation by living its values and by extension promotes public confidence in the wider sector.

The board should understand and address any inappropriate power dynamics to avoid damaging the charity’s reputation, public support for its work and delivery of its aims. To achieve this, trustees should create a culture that supports the charity’s values, adopt behaviours and policies in line with the values and set aside any personal interests or loyalties. Charity leaders should show the highest levels of personal integrity and conduct. Everyone who comes into contact with a charity should be treated with dignity and respect and feel that they are in a safe and supportive environment. This is true even when a board’s decision might be unpopular. Rationaleĭelivering the charity’s purposes for public benefit should be at the heart of everything the board does. Trustees undertake their duties with this in mind. It reflects the charity’s ethics and values in everything it does.

The board is aware of the significance of the public’s confidence and trust in charities. It adopts values, applies ethical principles to decisions and creates a welcoming and supportive culture which helps achieve the charity’s purposes.

Integrity plus charity