Acevo, NCVO, the Charity Trustee Network (CTN) and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) have launched an updated version of their good governance code.

The new edition, which builds on the original Good Governance: a Code for the Voluntary and Community sector from 2005, includes advice on learning from the economic downturn and new thinking on governance.

The relaunch has been overseen by the code steering group, made up of representatives from Acevo, CTN, ICSA and NCVO. The Group has an independent chair, Lindsay Driscoll, and representatives from the Charity Commission also attend the meetings. The Commission has supported the Code since its inception.

Lindsay Driscoll (pictured), said: "Governance is high on the agenda in all sectors – public, private and voluntary. As voluntary and community organisations driven by altruistic values and working for public benefit, we are increasingly expected to demonstrate how well we are governed. Good governance is a vital part of how voluntary and community organisations operate and are held accountable."

The code steering group is starting work on a version for small, unstaffed voluntary and community organisations, due for launch in Spring 2011.  It is also creating a new website to host the Code and supporting information.  The Code can currently be downloaded from the steering group member websites.