Code of Practice for almshouse charities

Many of you will know that The Almshouse Association has been developing a Code of Practice (‘the Code’) as the next stage following our Charity Health Check, which has now been completed by more than half our membership.

We are now inviting member charities to volunteer to help shape the Code by taking part in the project pilot.

Interested? Please do get in touch via: harrietlemon@almshouses.org.

Purpose of the Code


The Code aims to strengthen confidence, consistency and transparency across almshouse provision, while remaining practical and proportionate for charities of all sizes. Importantly, it preserves charities’ independence and self-governance, while providing reassurance of quality and standards to stakeholders such as planners and national and local government.

How the Code works

Carefully aligned with the Standards of Almshouse Management (SAM), the Code translates established guidance into a clear framework to support day-to-day operations. Its purpose is to ensure almshouses continue to operate in the best interests of the residents and the charities, while demonstrating high standards to the Charity Commission, funders and other public bodies.

Why your support matters

Many of you have already contributed to the draft Code and we are most grateful for your input. The next step is to pilot the approach to assess how effectively it can be implemented by all almshouse charities. Participating charities will have the opportunity to be among the first to attain The Code of Practice Certificate.

If successful, the Code will:

  • reassure stakeholders that your charity is delivering high standards of housing
  • give new trustees confidence in well-governed and effectively managed charities
  • strengthen relationships with local authorities by supporting due diligence requirements
  • enhance your ability to secure funding for your almshouses, governance and recruitment.

Key principles of the Code

At its core, the Code is built on the key principles of ‘SAM’, including:

  • strong governance and financial viability
  • adherence to safety standards
  • transparency in occupancy and charges
  • a clear commitment to charitable objectives and public
    benefit.

It places equal emphasis on resident wellbeing, safe and well-maintained accommodation, and effective governance.

The pilot approach

Charities taking part will undertake a self-certification process, supported and guided by the Association, and potentially an independent consultant. This approach is designed to ensure credibility while remaining achievable for our member charities.

Time commitment and pilot goals

Whilst we do not expect the time required to complete certification to be extensive, the pilot phase is essential to understand the time commitment involved, gauge appetite, refine the approach, identify any unintended burdens and, most importantly, ensure the process is both effective and practical.

Next steps

If you would like your charity to take part in the pilot scheme, please contact harrietlemon@almshouses.org.

Thank you in advance for your support with this important project which we hope will pave the way to more proportionate legislation.

posted 21 July 2026