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Home Insights Blog New Charity Investment Governance Principles Launched
24 January 2025

New Charity Investment Governance Principles Launched

Mark Morford Regulated Products Manager - CFSL

In January, I attended the launch of the Charity Investment Governance Principles (CGIP).

This new resource is designed to help charities and their trustees navigate the seemingly complex world of charity investment.

In January, I attended the launch of the Charity Investment Governance Principles (CGIP). This new resource is designed to help charities and their trustees navigate the seemingly complex world of charity investment. 


What are the Charity Investment Governance Principles?

The CGIP provide clear, practical advice on good governance and other areas for consideration for those involved in charity governance in England and Wales, in particular trustees, employees and committee members. Available online, the CGIP consist of seven principles, following a similar structure to the Charity Governance Code. These are: 


  • Purpose of investments
  • Leadership
  • Integrity
  • Decision-making, risk and control
  • Effectiveness
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Openness and accountability.

Under each principle, you will find clear definitions, rationales and suggested outcomes, as well as more detailed guidance and links to other resources. This includes practical advice and examples, highlighting what must be done (in law), and recommended activities and considerations. Developed in collaboration with the Charity Commission, the Principles support Guidance note CC14, which covers ‘Investing charity money: guidance for trustees’.

Why are the CGIP Important?

The Steering Group behind the project, which comprises representative bodies from across the third sector, aimed to produce a toolkit that would help improve outcomes and, where appropriate, encourage creativity and innovation for charities considering investing. Based on their research, the group identified that many charities focus more on avoiding taking the ‘wrong’ approach than on building their confidence and tailoring their investment approach to their objectives and mission.

How the Charities Aid Foundation got involved

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) was one of the over 100 sector participants who helped shape the Principles through focus groups and draft reviews. The Principles align with our own resources and guidance, which look in more depth at those areas that we feel are of particular interest to charities, donors, and others across the charitable sector.

Please take some time to review the Principles, which are available at www.cigp.org.uk. They may help you start your investment journey, validate what you may already be doing or give you some ideas on what you might do differently or improve.

Charity investment should not be a dark art. The Principles help shine a light on an activity that could provide significant benefit your charity’s mission and those you serve.

Learn how investments can help build the financial resources of your charity or social purpose enterprise.

 

Download our guide


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