Newly appointed Charity Commission chief executive Helen Stephenson has warned the regulator’s funding is “at a knife edge” in a blog setting out her vision for the regulator.
Stephenson, who began her role earlier this month, said in a blog published on Friday that her organisation’s overarching aim is to promote public confidence in charities.
She says the Commission’s role in achieving this is to “enable” charities to stay within the law while holding a “small proportion of trustees” to account.
“The Commission’s role involves therefore a fine balance. Charities are neither our friends to be let off the hook, nor foes to be fought," she says.
“We are their regulator, and at registration, in filing their annual return, when using our digital services and our guidance, they are our customers, who rightly expect a smooth, professional service.”
The issue of the Charity Commission’s funding has been ongoing for the past few years, with Stephenson’s predecessor Paula Sussex warning last month that the regulator is “significantly overstretched” and could be forced to cut back on the register, providing guidance, or carrying out case work.
Sussex said the two potential sources of extra funding were from central government or by charities self-funding the regulator. The Commission was given permission by HM Treasury in March to review these options with the sector but a formal consultation has yet to begin.
Stephenson said she plans to discuss the options with charities in the near future.
“The Commission’s funding is at a knife edge, while demand on us is increasing. Securing our funding into the future is vital. But two weeks into my time at the Commission, I am energised, and excited about the challenges ahead.
“And in the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to meeting charities, their beneficiaries, Parliamentarians and our partners in government – all of whom have a central role in assuring the future of this vital sector.”
Related articles
