Perceptions of Commission more positive in every area

Finance | 1 Feb 2007

The Charity Commission improved its performance in every area of its work over the last two years, according to a new survey of 69 stakeholders made up of many of the most influential people in the voluntary sector, including ministers and civil servants.

The stakeholder survey, conducted last summer, set out to gauge perceptions of the Commission since it published its 2005 strategic review, Charity Working At the Heart of Society.

In summary, results suggest that 'the Commission is going very much in the right direction'. Its strategic approach is widely supported, and there is a clear sense that the regulator is trying to be more 'proactive, engaging and assertive'. Those organisations that had been visited by Commission staff in the last 18 months reported the visits to be 'very positive experiences', with staff generally 'supportive and understanding'.

The biggest improvements were in the areas of communication and provision of information. Nearly all respondents had noticed a big change in the way the Commission communicates with its stakeholders and in the content of the information it provides. In fact, many respondents wanted to see the Commission 'taking ownership of information about the sector as a whole', said the report. 'This might involve producing an annual state of the charitable nation report for public consumption.'

However, there was still plenty of room for improvement in the Commission's performance, too. While there is perceived enthusiasm for change at the top of the organisation, this does not necessarily filter down to the bottom, and more staff secondments into and out of the Commission will help it refresh and improve skills.

Additionally, there is still some ambiguity in the Commission's communications about what is mandatory and what is good practice.

Directory: Charity Commission

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