It is impossible to have missed what seems like a deluge of reports of poor workplace culture, bullying and racism in charities. In a sector that has altruism at its heart, this can seem a depressing and disheartening picture. Aren’t we better than that?

Those working in some very high-profile organisations have experienced some very toxic attitudes and extremely poor practice. While this is a much wider problem that can arise in any workplace in any sector, charities are generally expected to hold themselves to higher standards.

What is perhaps slightly more positive is that many of these charities are beginning to take their culture more seriously and are starting to dig deeper into why things might have gone wrong and what can be done about it. So what is the current picture?

Importance of a positive culture

The culture of an organisation happens whether or not you actively steer it. However, supporting the growth of a culture that promotes healthy behaviours throughout, has a beneficial impact on all aspects of the organisation’s operations. Positive impacts include having respectful and supportive attitudes, better and more open decision-making, happier staff and everyone working towards the same goal.

Wider public expectations are that organisations – and charities in particular – should live their values. The recently refreshed Charity Governance Code has strengthened its focus on integrity and diversity, demonstrating the fundamental importance for charities to get these right. Donors who trust a charity to behave well and make the right decisions in the right way are much more likely to offer support.