The Charity Commission yesterday launched the first in a new series of audio podcasts, designed to help charity trustees develop their understanding of their duties under charity law.

Described by the Commission as “informal audio guides to help charity trustees develop knowledge and skills”, the first episode is now available to download from its website.

This particular edition tackles the subject of fraud. The 10-minute programme, which is presented by the Commission’s head of investigations and enforcement, Michelle Russell and Jamie Johnson, head of action fraud, also explains what trustees should do if their charity does fall victim to fraud.

Russell said that the new tool will complement the regulator’s existing guidance.

“We hope our podcasts will help trustees familiarise themselves with the basic principles of charity law as set out in our guidance,” she said. “They are designed not to replace the guidance and information available on our website, but to serve as easy, more informal introductions to trustees’ roles and duties in different circumstances.

"We are deliberately keeping them short to allow busy trustees to listen in whenever they have a few minutes to spare."

The new podcasts come as part of the Commission’s wider programme of proactive engagement with trustees, aimed at helping them develop self-reliance and improve their compliance with charity law.

They will be available to listen to on the Commission’s website, or to download as MP3 files. They are also available via YouTube and will be publicised via the Commission’s quarterly newsletter, CC News.