Updated guidance on charity trustee decision-making published by the Charity Commission

The Charity Commission has recently refreshed its guidance on decision-making for charity trustees, known as ‘CC27’. This updated version is more user-friendly, concise, and quicker to read than the original guidance published in 2013! It’s designed to help trustees better understand their roles and fulfil their duties effectively.

The new CC27 focuses on areas where charities often face challenges, such as the importance of making decisions ‘collectively’ and keeping proper records of those decisions. At SCVO, we regularly stress to the groups that we support how essential it is to take accurate minutes and follow the right decision-making process. Good record-keeping protects trustees, providing evidence that the correct steps were followed, conflicts of interest were managed, and decisions were informed and balanced. This can be vital if a charity faces scrutiny or challenges.

The updated guidance also highlights the need for trustees to consult stakeholders on important decisions. While the previous version suggested that consultation “might be helpful,” the new guidance advises that trustees “should usually consult” stakeholders when decisions significantly affect them. However, the responsibility for final decisions remains firmly with the trustees.

Lastly, trustees are reminded that they can seek formal advice from the Charity Commission in complex or high-risk situations, under section 110 of the Charities Act 2011. This is a useful tool for trustees to focus on serious matters, but the guidance also reminds everyone that trustees can seek advice on any aspect of their duties or the proper administration of their charity.

If you’re a charity trustee or involved in decision-making, this updated guidance is an important resource to ensure your charity stays on the right track!

And, of course, you can always chat with the team here at SCVO to see if/ how we might be able to help – call 0121 525 1127 or email: support@scvo.info