Many charity boards still struggle to build inclusive and open cultures, despite growing more confident in how they govern, according to new research.
Findings published today by NCVO as part of Trustees Week 2025 show that while boards have improved decision making they find it hard to represent everybody.
Researchers, which analysed responses from 800 charities, found that staff are less positive than trustees about openness and inclusion in their organisations.
Boards scored lowest on equality, diversity and inclusion but highest on decision-making and clarity of purpose.
Around one in five respondents said their board regularly reviews its culture or behaviours.
Communication between boards and staff is also inconsistent and few organisations have formal ways to review their culture, the research found.
But NCVO did find that boards are becoming more reflective about their effectiveness.
Gap between values and experience
Sally Stephens, NCVO’s lead governance consultant, said: “Our analysis highlights a sector that understands what good governance looks like but still finds it hard to live it consistently.
“Many boards have strong intentions, but translating those into culture takes sustained effort.
“Trustees tell us they value openness and inclusion, yet people inside charities don’t always experience those values in practice.
“The challenge now is to close that gap by making reflection and openness part of everyday board practice.”
NCVO’s findings follow the recently published updated version of the Charity Governance Code, which sets out principles of governance to help trustees reflect on how they lead, decide and uphold their charities’ purposes.
