Press release: 28 January 2022, for immediate use
New chair of the Charity Governance Code announced
Radojka Miljevic has been announced as the new independent chair of the Charity Governance Code steering group. The group is a cross-voluntary sector collaboration whose purpose is to review, develop, promote and maintain the Charity Governance Code. Radojka will take over this voluntary position in February from Rosie Chapman, who has been chair of the group for the last six years.
The appointment follows a rigorous and transparent recruitment process, made possible through funding from Barrow Cadbury Trust and The Clothworkers’ Company. Executive recruitment agency Green Park were appointed to ensure a robust, inclusive, and accessible selection process. The final stage involved presentations to a stakeholder panel and an interview involving code group and independent members.
Radojka brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has served on different types of boards and has many years of governance, management and research experience across a variety of sectors. She is currently a partner at management consultancy Campbell Tickell, leading their governance and strategy work.
Commenting, Radojka Miljevic said: “I am thrilled at the opportunity to support the voluntary sector through the Charity Governance Code. We have lots of important work to do to increase engagement with — and support uptake of — the Code, particularly among small charities. We must also ensure the continued relevance of the Code through regular review, further developing of the EDI principle, and highlight the role of charities in addressing the climate crisis. I am lucky to build on what’s already been achieved by steering group colleagues and the outgoing chair.
“Charities tackle some of the big challenges of our time. They also connect us to the possibilities for life to be better and the part every person can play in that. I am motivated by charities being as effective as they can be, maximising their impact, and attracting a diverse and highly capable range of trustees, committee members, other volunteers, and staff. Adopting the Code is a clear way for charities to signal their commitment to be well governed and to live the ethical principles and inclusive cultures expected of them.”
Outgoing steering group chair, Rosie Chapman, has been in position for six years. Over this time, she has worked with the Code group and others to oversee two iterations of the Code, in 2017 and 2020. This included a significant reworking of the principles of the code and the inclusion of the equality, diversity and inclusion principle for the first time.
Rosie Chapman commented: “I’m delighted that the steering group following an open and transparent recruitment process, in line with best practice, has led to this appointment. Radojka will bring a fresh and new perspective to the role and I know, as my term comes to an end, that her passion for good governance will promote and take the Code to the next level.”
Members of the Charity Governance Code steering group members welcomed Radojka’s appointment.
Jenny Berry, crisis and governance lead at ACEVO, said: “The Code is such an important tool for charity leaders to focus and support them towards effective governance, and has developed greatly under Rosie’s leadership. With Radojka, our new chair in place, I am looking forward to strong engagement and more charities adopting the Code.”
Rosalind Oakley, chief executive at the Association of Chairs, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Radojka as the new independent Chair of the Charity governance code. Her leadership will help us increase the impact of the Code in encouraging good governance.”
Louise Thomson, head of policy (NFP) at the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), said: “We welcome the appointment of Radojka and acknowledge the immense contribution made by outgoing chair, Rosie Chapman. Radojka’s skills and experience will be critical as we conduct a full review of the group’s membership and the Code. As charity governance continues to evolve, Radojka’s role will be integral to monitoring the Code, ensuring it addresses the challenges facing the sector.”
Dan Francis, lead governance consultant at NCVO, commented: “We are excited to work with Radojka. Her passion for the role, depth of governance expertise and her appreciation of the challenges facing all charities, will ensure the Charity Governance Code continues to evolve whilst remaining relevant and practical. We’d also like to thank Rosie for all her effort over the past six years, which has resulted in a more robust and respected Code.”
Mair Rigby, governance and safeguarding manager at WCVA, said: “WCVA is delighted to welcome Radojka’s appointment as the new chair of the Charity Governance Code steering group. As a member of the group, we look forward to working with Radojka to promote the use of the Code to charities in Wales.”
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Notes to editors:
· Media enquiries: Please contact Sean O’Brien, communications manager at NCVO, via press@ncvo.org.uk.
· About the Charity Governance Code: Good governance in charities is fundamental to their success. A charity is best placed to achieve its ambitions and aims if it has effective governance and the right leadership structures. It is the aim of The Charity Governance Code is to help charities and their trustees develop high standards of governance. The Code is a practical tool to help trustees achieve this. The Code is intended for use by charities registered in England and Wales. It is not a legal or regulatory requirement. It draws upon, but is fundamentally different to, the Charity Commission’s guidance. Instead, the Code sets the principles and recommended practice for good governance and is deliberately aspirational: some elements of the Code will be a stretch for many charities to achieve. This is intentional: we want the Code to be a tool for continuous improvement towards the highest standards. The Code has been developed by a steering group, with the help of hundreds of charities, individuals, and related organisations. Development and maintenance of the Code is supported by The Clothworkers’ Company and Barrow Cadbury Trust. Find out more: https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/about-the-code-1/about-the-code
· About the Charity Governance Code steering group: The Charity Governance Code steering group is a cross-sector collaboration with an independent chair. The group’s purpose is to review, develop, promote and maintain the Code for the sector. The steering group’s members are:
o ACEVO
o The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI)
o NCVO
o Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).
The Small Charities Coalition were a member of the group until recently and the group would like to thank them for their contribution to the Code.
The Charity Commission is an observer on the group. Find out more here: https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/about-the-code-1/steering-group-and-sponsors
