# NCVO launches Charity Ethical Principles

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/01/18/ncvo-launches-charity-ethical-principles/
- Published: 2019-01-18T09:03:09+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**NCVO launches its Charity Ethical Principles today (18 January) a benchmark of
good practice aimed at helping charities become more inclusive, open and ethical
in how they work and treat people.**

Under the [Charity Ethical Principles](https://www.ncvo.org.uk/images/documents/policy_and_research/ethics/Charity-Ethical-Principles.pdf),
formerly referred to as the Charity Code of Ethics, charities agree to put beneficiaries
first, uphold the highest level of institutional integrity and personal conduct 
at all times, and commit to openness by creating a culture and space that makes 
it is clear to everyone how they work, deal with any problems, and spend their funds.
Charities must also agree that every person that comes into contact with the charity
should be treated with dignity and respect, and feel they are in a safe and supportive
environment.

The Principles have been developed with sector engagement, led by Dame Mary Marsh,
supported by [NCVO](https://www.ncvo.org.uk/) and a wider advisory group representing
the sector.

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The guidance is intended as complementary to existing codes such as the Charity 
Governance Code, and is a voluntary framework. However, NCVO is encouraging all 
charity governing bodies, staff and volunteers to actively consider the principles
and how they can integrate them throughout their work.

Each of the principles in the document is accompanied by guidance on how it can 
be upheld, providing broad, instructive statements that charities using the code
should observe.

A summary of the [feedback](https://www.ncvo.org.uk/images/documents/policy_and_research/ethics/code-of-ethics-feedback-consolidated.pdf)
received during the development of the Principles has also been published today.

Dame Mary Marsh said:

> “It has been a privilege to lead this important piece of work and I would like
> to thank all those who contributed so thoughtfully. These principles demonstrate
> how much we all want to live our values in everything we do and show the public
> that charities aim to be places where everyone meets the highest ethical standards.”

Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of NCVO, said:

> “NCVO is pleased to have supported the development of the Charity Ethical Principles.
> I hope they will be widely used by charities in their decision making and in the
> development of their policies and procedures. This work does not end here and 
> we are open to further development of this important guidance once organisations
> have started to use it as part of their decision making.”

NCVO has also said that it sees the Charity Ethical Principles as a living document
and encourages voluntary organisations using the principles in their work to email
[po****@******rg.uk](https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/01/18/ncvo-launches-charity-ethical-principles/po****@******rg.uk)
with any comments.

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