# Using the code The code is for use by all third sector organisations in Scotland, whatever their shape, size or activities. The code’s principles apply equally to all organisations, but how an organisation follows each principle will depend on its size, income, activities and complexity. ## How it works The code sets out five core principles that encourage third sector organisations to look at, and improve, their governance. All five principles are equally important. Laws and regulations are fundamental to good governance. However, keeping to the code is not a legal or regulatory requirement. The code provides a standard for us all to aim for. It is there to support continuous improvement and strengthen the effectiveness of governance across the third sector. The code is supported by the **[SCVO Good Governance Checkup](https://governance.checkup.scot)**, which is an online tool to guide you through the principles of the code. The Good Governance Checkup asks a series of questions about your organisation and gives you a personalised action plan with links to further resources. Your board can use the online tool to identify areas where you’re doing well, check where you can improve, and monitor your progress over time. ## Terminology There are many different terms used for the governing bodies of third-sector organisations, such as: * the board * the committee * the trustees, and * the directors. The difference between these terms usually reflects the different legal structure of organisations, and their history and culture. In this code we use the term ‘the board’ to mean an organisation’s governing body, which is ultimately accountable for the organisation. ## Equality and diversity Understanding and keeping to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion supports and enables boards to be effective and informed, and to make better decisions. The code is based on the understanding that all third sector organisations should fully recognise equality, diversity and inclusion (for example, diversity of background, thought and experience, as well as the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010). This is an essential part of good governance and underpins all five of the core principles. ## The five core principles The five core principles are: * [organisational purpose](/support/running-your-organisation/governance/code/organisational-purpose) * [leadership](/support/running-your-organisation/governance/code/leadership) * [board behaviour](/support/running-your-organisation/governance/code/board-behaviour) * [control and risk management](/support/running-your-organisation/governance/code/control-risk-management) * [effectiveness](/support/running-your-organisation/governance/code/effectiveness) ### Tell us what you think We would like to hear from you if you have any suggestions for ways the code could be improved or made more user-friendly. To get in touch, please email [enquiries@scvo.scot](mailto:enquiries@scvo.scot). [Previous: Introduction](/support/running-your-organisation/governance/code/introduction) [Next: Organisational purpose](/support/running-your-organisation/governance/code/organisational-purpose) --- ## About SCVO SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is the national membership organisation for Scotland's voluntary sector. Our role is to champion the role of voluntary organisations in Scotland and to support them to do work that has a positive impact. SCVO supports members and the wider voluntary sector with all aspects of setting up and running a voluntary organisation. SCVO represents the needs and concerns of the voluntary sector to the Scottish government in Holyrood and UK government and Westminster. Through our learning and events programme SCVO offers training and development opportunities to the sector. Members access an extensive membership benefits package including specialist, in-depth, 1-to-1 guidance from our Information Services team and from professional service partners. Access to exclusive membership networks (including comms, employers, governance and policy) supports members to grow their connections, stay up to date, exchange ideas and views with peers, and learn through tailored learning opportunities. SCVO members enjoy free access to Funding Scotland Premium to stay on top of funding opportunities to support their organisation’s financial resilience. Discounts and savings on SCVO products and services (including our HR service, managed IT support, payroll service and events and training) and partner offers provide members with support to allow them to focus on delivering their organisation’s goals. Further SCVO products and services include [extensive digital support](https://scvo.scot/support/digital), a climate action resource [Growing Climate Confidence](https://climateconfident.scot), a voluntary sector publication [Third Force News](https://tfn.scot) and a voluntary sector jobs and recruitment service [Goodmoves](https://goodmoves.org). For more information on SCVO membership, visit [SCVO membership](https://scvo.scot/membership)