A governing instrument is a formal document setting out the key provisions regarding the administration of an organisation such as the charitable purposes, composition of the governing board, how meetings will be held, etc. The type of governing instrument depends on the legal structure the organisation is set up as.

Additionally, the governing instrument is also known as a:

• Constitution (for charities set up as Companies Limited by Guarantee or Societies);

• Trust instrument (for charities set up as Trust); or

• Rules and Regulations (for charities set up as Funds).