The group, which met on Tuesday, is to work to improve performance, accountability and professionalism in the sector, and will respond to recent comments from ex minister Alan Milburn, who is chairing the Joint Committee on the draft Charities Bill. Speaking at an ACEVO conference on May 6, he warned charities that they "cannot consider themselves immune from the general loss of confidence in corporate governance", and said that the sector should adopt "governance structures capable of guaranteeing probity and professionalism".

The meeting follows discussions Low had on Monday with the Chief Charity Commissioner John Stoker. At the meeting, he discussed the position of chief executives who have responsibilities similar to company directors, and who may also have the associated liabilities. Where this is so, ACEVO believes chief executives should be full members of their charity's board, with the accountability and protection that would bring.

ACEVO is to consult its members on the group's proposals.