Upcoming changes to the Charity Digital Code of Practice

Charity leaders developed the Charity Digital Code of Practice  (the Code) to improve digital sustainability, efficiency, and decision-making. The first of its kind in the UK, the Code proved particularly important during the pandemic, as charities sought to navigate a period of digital acceleration, adapt to the world of remote working, manage virtual service delivery, and more.

In 2021, Charity Digital became the long-term home of the Code. But the success of the Code has always depended on cross-sector ownership, so we will keep working with people from across the sector to perfect the latest iteration of the Code. Digital expert Zoe Amar continues as Chair of the 2025 Code, bringing vital insights and in-depth knowledge of the sector.

The update will aim, among other things, to help charities grasp upcoming digital opportunities, mitigate tech risks, and grapple with some of the latest digital challenges, such as artificial intelligence (AI).  In this article, we explore the background of the Code and look at how Charity Digital will conduct the update.

Background the Charity Digital Code of Practice

Since launching in 2018, the Code has empowered trustees and leaders to embrace digital strategies and enact both short and long-term changes that amplify their sustainable impact. Led by Amar working with a collaborative cross-sector group, the Code combines practical guidance with insightful resources. valuable case studies, and benchmarks for the sector.

The Code focusses on seven key areas: Leadership, User-led, Culture, Strategy, Skills, Managing Risk and Ethics, and Adaptability. Under each area, the Code offers insight to help charities make responsible decisions and increase their impact. The Code is aimed at charities registered in England, Wales, and Scotland, and is designed to apply to charities of all sizes. However, each area of the Code has been adapted specifically for small and large charities to show what success looks like at each stage, with acknowledgement of the digital barriers they may face.

The 2025 update to the Code is funded by The Clothworkers’ Company, The WCIT Charity and Resource for London, with the aim of enhancing the Code and further driving its adoption. The Code is managed by a steering group of representatives from across the sector and chaired by independent digital expert Amar.

How we will update The Charity Digital Code of Practice 

The Code is user-led, always responding to the main issues in the sector. That means that, prior to the update, we are contacting charities to discover the main digital opportunities, the core tech risks, and all the areas in which they may need some additional guidance.

Our user research is qualitative and quantitative. We have conducted interviews with charity leaders, exploring challenges in depth, spending time talking about the best ways that we can support them. We have combined that with a survey that asks hundreds of charities to contribute to simple questions, defining the risks and opportunities most important to them. 

We then presented the information to a Review Board and a Steering Group, both of whom have added their feedback and provided additional guidance. We are currently in the process of writing the Code.