Code of governance: Difference between revisions
From ash_wiki
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| (13 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
= Code of Governance | = What is the Code of Governance? = | ||
The Code of Governance sets out a framework for the effective running of community-led housing organisations such as the ASH Co-op. Community-led housing organisations are united by '''community accountability, democratic control, and local decision-making'''. | |||
Governance is the responsibility of an organisation’s '''Governing Body'''. In the case of the co-op and according to our [[ASH Co-op Rules|Rules]] this is our [[executive committee]]. | |||
== What is Good governance? == | |||
== What is | |||
Good governance is about: | Good governance is about: | ||
| Line 39: | Line 17: | ||
Good governance supports both strong values ''and'' effective day-to-day operation. | Good governance supports both strong values ''and'' effective day-to-day operation. | ||
Having adopted the Code, ASH Co-op is expected to: | |||
* Review their governance '''annually''' against the Code | * Review their governance '''annually''' against the Code | ||
| Line 48: | Line 24: | ||
* Set out plans to achieve compliance where appropriate | * Set out plans to achieve compliance where appropriate | ||
= The Five Principles of Governance = | |||
The Code of Governance is about measuring our performance against the following criteria: | |||
* '''Clarity''' – knowing why the organisation exists | |||
* '''Accountability''' – to members and the community | |||
* '''Leadership''' – effective, ethical and informed | |||
* '''Delivery''' – clear roles and responsibilities | |||
* '''Control''' – strong finances, risk management and transparency | |||
== 1. Clarity of Purpose and Values == | == 1. Clarity of Purpose and Values == | ||
ASH Co-op should: | |||
* Have a '''clear mission, vision and values''' | * Have a '''clear mission, vision and values''' | ||
| Line 69: | Line 46: | ||
=== Equality, diversity and inclusion === | === Equality, diversity and inclusion === | ||
ASH Co-op commits to: | |||
* Fairness and equality of opportunity | * Fairness and equality of opportunity | ||
| Line 79: | Line 56: | ||
=== Ethics and integrity === | === Ethics and integrity === | ||
ASH Co-op should: | |||
* Act with honesty, openness and integrity | * Act with honesty, openness and integrity | ||
| Line 86: | Line 63: | ||
* Manage conflicts of interest properly | * Manage conflicts of interest properly | ||
* Ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of the organisation and community | * Ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of the organisation and community | ||
== 2. Community Accountability == | == 2. Community Accountability == | ||
| Line 98: | Line 73: | ||
=== Membership === | === Membership === | ||
ASH Co-op should: | |||
* Clearly define who can be a member | * Clearly define who can be a member | ||
| Line 123: | Line 98: | ||
* Regulators (if a Registered Provider) | * Regulators (if a Registered Provider) | ||
* The Charity Commission (if a charity) | * The Charity Commission (if a charity) | ||
== 3. Effective Leadership and Control == | == 3. Effective Leadership and Control == | ||
The | The Committee should: | ||
* Lead and control the organisation strategically | * Lead and control the organisation strategically | ||
| Line 138: | Line 111: | ||
* Safeguard the organisation’s assets and reputation | * Safeguard the organisation’s assets and reputation | ||
=== | === Committee composition === | ||
Where there is a committee or board, the organisation should: | Where there is a committee or board, the organisation should: | ||
| Line 150: | Line 123: | ||
=== Conduct and decision-making === | === Conduct and decision-making === | ||
Committee members should: | |||
* Act collectively and responsibly | * Act collectively and responsibly | ||
| Line 158: | Line 131: | ||
* Receive induction, training and support | * Receive induction, training and support | ||
* Have their performance reviewed annually | * Have their performance reviewed annually | ||
== 4. Effective and Clear Delivery == | == 4. Effective and Clear Delivery == | ||
The | The Committee decides '''how the organisation operates day to day''', whether through: | ||
* Volunteers | * Volunteers | ||
| Line 170: | Line 141: | ||
* Lease or management arrangements | * Lease or management arrangements | ||
The | The co-op should: | ||
* Clearly document roles and responsibilities | * Clearly document roles and responsibilities | ||
| Line 180: | Line 151: | ||
=== Legal and regulatory responsibilities === | === Legal and regulatory responsibilities === | ||
The | The Committtee remains responsible for ensuring: | ||
* Compliance with the law | * Compliance with the law | ||
| Line 189: | Line 160: | ||
Professional advice should be sought where needed. | Professional advice should be sought where needed. | ||
== 5. Strong Systems of Control and Audit == | == 5. Strong Systems of Control and Audit == | ||
ASH Co-op should: | |||
* Have clear financial controls and standing orders | * Have clear financial controls and standing orders | ||
| Line 203: | Line 172: | ||
=== Risk management === | === Risk management === | ||
The | The Committee should: | ||
* Understand the organisation’s risks | * Understand the organisation’s risks | ||
| Line 214: | Line 183: | ||
Appropriate whistleblowing policies should be in place to allow concerns to be raised safely. | Appropriate whistleblowing policies should be in place to allow concerns to be raised safely. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Latest revision as of 19:10, 21 January 2026
What is the Code of Governance?
The Code of Governance sets out a framework for the effective running of community-led housing organisations such as the ASH Co-op. Community-led housing organisations are united by community accountability, democratic control, and local decision-making.
Governance is the responsibility of an organisation’s Governing Body. In the case of the co-op and according to our Rules this is our executive committee.
What is Good governance?
Good governance is about:
- Having a clear purpose (mission, vision and values)
- Putting the right structures and policies in place
- Making sure the organisation is financially viable
- Understanding and managing risks
- Being accountable to members, residents and the wider community
Good governance supports both strong values and effective day-to-day operation.
Having adopted the Code, ASH Co-op is expected to:
- Review their governance annually against the Code
- Publish a statement of compliance in their annual report/accounts
- Clearly explain where they do not comply and why
- Set out plans to achieve compliance where appropriate
The Five Principles of Governance
The Code of Governance is about measuring our performance against the following criteria:
- Clarity – knowing why the organisation exists
- Accountability – to members and the community
- Leadership – effective, ethical and informed
- Delivery – clear roles and responsibilities
- Control – strong finances, risk management and transparency
1. Clarity of Purpose and Values
ASH Co-op should:
- Have a clear mission, vision and values
- Make these publicly available
- Regularly review progress towards them
- Ensure they match the organisation’s legal objects
Equality, diversity and inclusion
ASH Co-op commits to:
- Fairness and equality of opportunity
- Actively opposing discrimination
- Welcoming diversity
- Setting objectives and reviewing progress
- Reporting publicly on performance
Ethics and integrity
ASH Co-op should:
- Act with honesty, openness and integrity
- Have clear codes of conduct
- Be transparent in decision-making
- Manage conflicts of interest properly
- Ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of the organisation and community
2. Community Accountability
Community-led housing organisations exist to serve a defined community, which may be:
- A geographical area, or
- A specific group of people
Membership
ASH Co-op should:
- Clearly define who can be a member
- Encourage active membership
- Understand who its community is
- Aim for membership that reflects the diversity of that community
Accountability and engagement
The organisation should:
- Be accountable to its members and community
- Provide clear information about decisions and performance
- Encourage community involvement in decision-making
- Support members to take on governance roles
- Maintain regular two-way communication
Other stakeholders
The organisation should also be accountable to:
- Residents who are not members
- Partner landlords
- Regulators (if a Registered Provider)
- The Charity Commission (if a charity)
3. Effective Leadership and Control
The Committee should:
- Lead and control the organisation strategically
- Delegate day-to-day operations appropriately
- Have clear terms of reference
- Set strategy, budgets and business plans
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance
- Oversee risk management
- Safeguard the organisation’s assets and reputation
Committee composition
Where there is a committee or board, the organisation should:
- Have clear rules about size and appointment
- Ensure members understand their responsibilities
- Use fair and transparent election or recruitment processes
- Maintain a balance of skills, experience and diversity
- Regularly refresh membership
Conduct and decision-making
Committee members should:
- Act collectively and responsibly
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Declare interests openly
- Base decisions on good information
- Receive induction, training and support
- Have their performance reviewed annually
4. Effective and Clear Delivery
The Committee decides how the organisation operates day to day, whether through:
- Volunteers
- Paid staff
- External service providers
- Lease or management arrangements
The co-op should:
- Clearly document roles and responsibilities
- Set limits on delegated authority
- Appraise performance regularly
- Be transparent about pay and fees
- Have appropriate HR arrangements if staff are employed
Legal and regulatory responsibilities
The Committtee remains responsible for ensuring:
- Compliance with the law
- Health and safety
- Data protection
- Safeguarding (where relevant)
- Equality and diversity obligations
Professional advice should be sought where needed.
5. Strong Systems of Control and Audit
ASH Co-op should:
- Have clear financial controls and standing orders
- Receive regular financial and management reports
- Maintain appropriate relationships with external auditors
- Review auditor appointments periodically
Risk management
The Committee should:
- Understand the organisation’s risks
- Set a clear risk appetite
- Put controls in place to manage risk
- Review risks regularly
- Maintain business continuity plans
Whistleblowing
Appropriate whistleblowing policies should be in place to allow concerns to be raised safely.
References
- Confederation of Co-operative Housing (2021). Code of Governance for Community-Led Housing Organisations.
