The Charity Commission is considering using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in its registration processes after it received more than 1,000 applications for the first time ever last month.
In an article published this week, the regulator’s head of registration, Stuart Wood, said the “surge” in applications had come as more organisations seem to be using AI to fill in their application forms.
“Unfortunately, AI-generated content is often too generic and fails to reflect the specific activities or aims of the organisation applying to become a registered charity, leading to a higher rate of rejections,” he said.
However, Wood said that the commission itself was reviewing “the potential of AI to improve our own processes” and was currently “actively considering if we might in future utilise AI tools to enhance our registration service”.
The commission would do this as part of its investment of additional funding committed to it by the government from April 2026 onwards, he said.
“Our goal is to support the sector while safeguarding public trust, so people can give confidently, knowing their support is making a real impact,” he said.
“The charity sector isn’t standing still, and neither are we.”
The news comes shortly after the Charity Digital Skills report last month found that more than three-quarters of charities are now using AI technology.
Registration applications surge
There has been an ongoing increase in registration applications since the pandemic, with Wood citing “innovation” as one of several factors for the rise.
He also noted the cost-of-living crisis, financial hardship, global conflicts and disasters, as well as community interest companies converting from social enterprises to charities, as contributing to the increase.
In the 2023-24 financial year, the regulator processed more than 9,000 applications, with this rising to 9,840 last year.
According to its latest quarterly data, the regulator registered 1,101 charities and removed 1,135 between 1 April and 30 June 2025.
