T he Charity Commission has been urged to “get tough on governance” by charity chief executives, who have suggested that the regulator take a lead role in the promotion of best practice. The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) also called on the commission to develop a code of practice for trustee recruitment.

Organised by ACEVO, the meeting was an opportunity for the Commission’s chief executive, Andrew Hind and chair, Geraldine Peacock, to address 30 of the sector’s leaders with regards to their plans, which include an intention to work more closely with umbrella bodies.

Stephen Bubb, chief executive of ACEVO, said: “The Charity Commission should do more to help the sector improve its governance. For example, our record on trustee recruitment is no better than the private sector’s, which was roundly condemned by the Higg’s Review. A code of good practice, backed by the Commission, will boost the reforms we are making.”

The chief executives also argued that while the regulator should have an “enabling” approach to giving advice on reform, it should use a “hard-edged effort” to improve performance within the sector – with a focus on the largest charities.