Digital adapts and evolves at often dizzying speeds, fast enough to overwhelm even the tech-savvy. In the past few years alone, we’ve seen the rise and fall on non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the promise and pitfalls of blockchain technology, the growth of green and sustainable tech, new and exciting opportunities with data analytics, tectonic shifts to the eco-systems of social media, and the emergence – and now apparent omnipresence – of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
In short, it can be a lot to handle. The Code of Practice (the Code), initially launched in 2018, now updated and fit-for-purpose in 2025, helps charities to navigate the rapid changes with a principles-based approach. Now you can get to grips with the Code – learning best practice, understanding how to master it – by joining a session held by the Chair of the Code, Zoe Amar.
What attendees can expect to learn
The in-depth and interactive session at TechSmart 2025 will uncover all the changes made to the Code, with a particular emphasis on the introduction of Data as a new principle, the increasing focus on procurement of tech, and the new integration of AI across all principles.
The session will explore how we prioritised the user experience during the creation of the Code. User research dictated our decisions, in all cases, and we found that people tend to use the Code in different ways and have different preferences of consumption.
The new landing page aims to meet all preferences, complete with a ‘Recite Me’ toolbar that ensures we meet accessibility needs, a downloadable PDF version to read in full, and a Charity AI specifically trained on Code data that you can ask specific questions relating to your charity.
Deep-diving into the Code resources
Attendees will see some of the most important resources that presently accompany the code. Leaders and trustees can find articles showing them precisely how to benchmark and make decisions with the Code. They will learn, among other things, how to keep purpose front of mind, how to create shared ideals, how to reach same levels of understanding, and so much more.
One of the greatest resources on offer, as Zoe will touch on in the session, rests in the vast amount of user research we conducted – and have now published – to inform the Code. It’s essential reading, relying on in-depth interviews with various leaders and a wider survey with more than 60 people working with digital in the charity sector. The combination of qualitative and quantitative research provides an intriguing snapshot of many of the challenges facing the charity sector.
Leaders can find other resources, including a service delivery resource bank that highlights everything you could possibly need to gain further information. And, of course, the website lets you access any principle individually, providing detailed information on each particular area.
Join the session
The Code is essential for all charity leaders and can help take your use of digital to the next level. So join us at 11:50 on 23 September 2025 to gain practical insights that can propel your charity.
