Applying the principles of good governance

As a registered charity, the RTPI is regulated by the Charity Commission. Good governance underpins public confidence in charities by ensuring that they comply with relevant legislation and regulation, while promoting a culture and behaviours that support the charity to achieve its vision.

The Charity Governance Code sets out the principles and recommended practice for good governance. It was developed by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and other charity representative bodies. We use the Code to promote the exemplary leadership and governance that ensures our resources are used effectively to deliver for our members.

In 2019, a board effectiveness review by the NCVO made 60 recommendations to improve the governance of the RTPI. These recommendations included reducing the size of the Board of Trustees, establishing a new committee structure and defining the role of the General Assembly. 

A further governance review was undertaken by the NCVO in 2023. Following this review, a small governance review group, made up of Trustees, was established to consider the recommendations from the 2023 review and any remaining actions from the 2019 review. We have made great progress and will continue to do so.

We review our governance structures on a regular basis; to make them more effective and efficient so they can support the delivery of our strategy. These structures include our Board of Trustees, General Assembly and Committees. We involve our members in our governance, mindful that the RTPI is a membership organisation as well as a professional institute and a learned society.