Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Code of Corporate Governance is based on the general principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code. The main principle of the code is that every institution should be headed by an effective Board, which is collectively responsible for the success of the organisation. The Board’s role is to provide leadership of the organisation within a framework of prudent and effective controls which allow risk to be assessed and managed.

The Code has been developed under the guidance of the Audit Committee and Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Internal Auditors. The Code takes into consideration the role of the public in supporting the decision-making, governance, and accountability. The Code was approved by the Audit Committee and ratified by the Board in July 2013.