A partnership of key voluntary and community organisations has developed the Code which sets out the principles and practices of good governance in an organisation regardless of its size.
Speaking at the launch, Margaret Ritchie said:
“I warmly welcome the publication of this Code of Good Governance. It can assist voluntary organisations in developing and enhancing their governance systems.
"Good governance leads to good management, good performance, good stewardship of public money, good public engagement and, ultimately, good outcomes.”
Referring specifically to Volunteers' Week the minister said:
“The publication of this document is very timely as it is Volunteers’ Week here in Northern Ireland. Approximately one in five of all formal volunteers are involved in the running of voluntary organisations – as leaders, committee members or trustees. This new Code can support these volunteers in delivering good governance.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The launch of a Code of Good Governance took place at the headquarters of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action.
- NICVA is the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, the umbrella body for voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland.
- The Developing Governance Group, a partnership of key voluntary and community organisations, has been working over the past 18 months to develop the first ever Code of Governance for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. The group has now secured funding from Lloyds TSB Foundation to publish the Code for distribution to the sector.
- The Developing Governance Group is made up of the following sector support organisations: Age Concern NI, Community Evaluation NI, Community Change, Help the Aged, NICVA, Early Years (formerly NIPPA), NI Sports Forum/ Sports NI, North West Community Network, Rural Community Network, St John Ambulance, Supporting Communities NI, Volunteer Development Agency and Youthnet.
- Publication of the Code includes a pocket size booklet, a poster for committee/board rooms and the mapping of the online www.diycommitteeguide.org
(hosted by the Volunteer Development Agency) resource to the principles in the Code. - Media queries to DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
