A membership body has urged UK charities to submit responses to the consultation of the Charity Governance Code before the upcoming deadline.

A consultation on the code was opened in May and the possibility of asking charities to pay for using the code was one of the changes mooted.

The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, a membership body that represents the interests of company secretaries, is part of the Charity Governance Code steering group, which will process the responses and produce the updated code.

The institute said responses to the consultation had been encouraging but it would like more charities to take part because the code refresh only happens every five years.

Emily Ford, policy adviser at the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, said the consultation provided a chance for charities to make the code work for them.

Ford said: “Whether you use the code or not, and whatever size or type of charity you represent, we want to hear from you. 

“The code was last updated in 2020, and we all know just how much the world has changed since then.

“With the consultation deadline fast approaching, make sure your views are included in this vital work to support governance outcomes across the sector.

“The UK has a world-class charity sector, and the Charity Governance Code has a key role in maintaining the high standards we expect from UK charities.”

The code has seven principles including organisational purpose, integrity, decision-making, risk and control, board effectiveness, equality diversity and inclusion, and openness and accountability.

Two versions of the code are produced, one for charities with an annual turnover of £1m or more and one for smaller charities.

The code is overseen by a steering group comprising the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, Association of Chairs, The Chartered Governance Institute, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Small Charities Coalition and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

The consultation will close on 11 August. To take part click here.