Is charity governance getting better?

Last year, using data collected via reviews conducted using DSC’s (free and brilliant!) Governance App, we found that the trustees of smaller charities were scoring themselves lower on their performance than those of larger charities.

We’re due to do a fuller review based on updated data next year, but we’ve had a sneaky look ahead of that work and there are some encouraging signs of improvement.

Comparing reviews carried out in 2024 with those done in 2025*, we can see that boards of charities in all income bands have scored themselves higher, and those in the lowest two income bands have seen the biggest increases in their average scores.

Charities supporting Animals (+0.7/10), Economic/Community Development/Employment (+0.7/10) and Accommodation/Housing (+0.6/10) have made the biggest increases, whereas the scores from Armed Forces/Emergency Service Efficiency (-0.7/10), The Advancement of Health or Saving of Lives (-0.9) and The Relief of Poverty (-1.6/10) have all gone down.

The over-arching trends shown in last year’s analysis seem to remain. Trustees of smaller charities are still scoring themselves lower than larger ones, and the lowest scoring governance area overall is still Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – but you’ll have to wait until Spring next year to find out exactly what the change has been (unless you’re a funder reading this and want to help us get there quicker**).

If you’re looking at how to improve your charity’s governance there are lots of ways DSC can help.

1. Carry out a free review using our Governance App – all the instructions are there, and you’ll get an automated report highlighting your strengths and areas to work on
2. If you need help turning your review into positive action, no problem, we can help with everything from understanding your results to facilitating discussions and action planning with your whole board. Click here to find out about our Guided Governance Reviews
3. Keep your trustees up to date with everything they need to know. Send them on our Good Governance Matters online conference – the more the merrier, contact us at [email protected] for a group discount if you want to send them all!
4. Be better than the rest by boosting your EEDI knowledge and planning – it’s the lowest scoring governance area across all charities using the Governance App, so sending one, two, or all of your trustees on our From Here to Diversity conference is a great way to put yourselves ahead of the rest.
5. Book club! One of the quickest, easiest and most fun ways to improve the way your trustees work together is to get everyone a copy of It’s A Battle on the Board, read it, and then discuss it at your next board meeting. It’s less about the legal responsibilities and a LOT about working effectively together and avoiding all of the typical time and soul-sucking stuff that can take all of the fun out of being a trustee! Click here to find out more and get copies for your board.

*Figures are based on trustee-submitted scores made via the Governance App, a full methodology and last year’s report can be found here: Directory of Social Change – The Governance App Report

**Not kidding

Join the Conversation at It’s a Battle on the Board – Why Good Governance Matters Conference

If this blog resonated with you, don’t miss DSC’s upcoming online conference, It’s a Battle on the Board – Good Governance Matters, taking place on Thursday 23 October.

Whether you’re a trustee, CEO, or part of a leadership team, this event dives deep into the very challenges explored here, from unspoken conflict and fractured trust to building a culture of openness and alignment. You’ll gain practical tools, real-life insights, and the chance to learn from others who’ve faced similar governance battles and come out stronger.

Because good governance isn’t just about policies and procedures, it’s about people, relationships, and having the courage to face the hard stuff together.

Book your place now and be part of the change.