Governance Code for Sport record

The Code asks different things of different organisations, so tell us a little about yours. These questions aren't scored.

1. Which Governance Code organisation type best describes you?
2. Do you report on your Code compliance directly to Sport Ireland, for example as a funded National Governing Body, Local Sports Partnership or other funded body?

This principle is about staying within the law, keeping good financial control and managing risk.

1. Does the board know which laws and regulations apply to the organisation, and is there a way to check you're keeping to them? Secretary
2. Which best describes your legal structure and governing document (constitution or company constitution)? Secretary
3. Are there proper financial controls, such as two people approving payments, regular bank reconciliations and financial reports at every board meeting? Knock-out Treasurer
4. Are annual accounts prepared, approved by the board and presented to members (audited or independently examined where required)? Treasurer
5. When did the board last review the risk register? Board
6. Has the board checked that the organisation has the right insurance (for example public liability, employer's liability and directors' and officers' cover where appropriate)? Treasurer

From the help text

Depending on your set-up this can include company law, charity law, employment law, safeguarding, data protection and tax. 'Yes' means a simple list of obligations with someone responsible for each.

Being open with members, funders and the public, and keeping a live record of how you meet the Code.

1. Do you publish an annual report on your activities and finances? Secretary
2. Is an AGM held each year in line with your governing document, with proper notice to members? Secretary
3. Is there a written procedure for handling complaints and feedback, and do members know about it? Secretary
4. Has the board identified its key stakeholders (members, parents, funders, governing body, community) and how it keeps them informed and involved? PRO or Board
5. Do you keep your Governance Code Compliance Record Form as a live document, with evidence for each practice kept where you can find it? Knock-out Evidence needed Secretary or Governance lead
6. When did the board last formally review the Compliance Record Form? Secretary
7. On behalf of the board, I confirm this record reflects our current practice and that the board has reviewed it. Chairperson

From the help text

An annual report shows members and funders what you've achieved. For a small club this can be a short document presented at the AGM. 'Yes' means it's produced every year and available to members.

An effective board has the right people, clear roles and good meetings, and keeps improving.

1. Do new board members get an induction covering their role, the governing document, the finances and the Governance Code? Secretary
2. Are the roles of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and board members written down? Secretary
3. How many board meetings did you hold in the last 12 months? Secretary
4. When did the board last review its own performance? Chairperson
5. Do you plan for board renewal, with fair, open recruitment that encourages diversity and, where appropriate, limits on how long people serve? Chairperson

From the help text

People can't govern well without knowing the basics. 'Yes' means every new board member gets an induction pack and a conversation with the Chair or Secretary.

Integrity starts with the board: agreed standards of behaviour and honest handling of conflicts.

1. Does the board have a code of conduct that every board member has signed? Secretary
2. Is there a conflicts of interest and loyalty policy, and are board members asked to declare conflicts at the start of every meeting? Chairperson
3. Type B and C organisations: do you keep a register of board members' interests that is updated at least yearly? (Type A organisations can answer 'Not applicable'.) Secretary
4. Are there guidelines on accepting gifts and hospitality, for example from sponsors or suppliers? Secretary

From the help text

Sport Ireland's guide expects boards of all types to sign a code of conduct. 'Yes' means an agreed code and a signed copy from every current board member.

Where staff run operations and the board focuses on governance, the Code expects some extra structure.

Asked only if you answer “Type_c” to: Which Governance Code organisation type best describes you?

1. Is there an audit (or audit and risk) committee with written terms of reference that reports to the board? Board
2. Does the board carry out a skills assessment and keep a succession plan with director term limits? Chairperson
3. Can the board get independent professional advice (legal, financial, HR) when it needs it, with a budget and process for doing so? Chairperson

From the help text

For Type C organisations the guide expects an audit committee to give the board extra assurance on finances and risk. 'Yes' means it meets regularly and reports back to the board.

Funded bodies have specific reporting duties. This section checks you're on top of them.

Asked only if you answer “Yes” to: Do you report on your Code compliance directly to Sport Ireland, for example as a funded National Governing Body, Local Sports Partnership or other funded body?

1. What is the status of your most recent annual Board Assurance Statement? Chairperson or CEO
2. Does the board know it must notify Sport Ireland in writing without delay of any material non-compliance with the Code, and who would do that? Chairperson or CEO
3. Have you submitted your Public Statement of Compliance (and Comply or Explain form where needed), and do you re-confirm it with Sport Ireland at least every third year? Secretary or CEO

From the help text

Funded bodies submit a Board Assurance Statement each year as part of the Mid-Year Review, approved by the board and signed by the Chair, confirming compliance for the previous calendar year.