Jersey’s Chief Minister’s Department has today launched a consultation on developing a charities law for the island, which currently has no charity register or regulator.

Currently the State of Jersey has no charities law. The Association of Jersey Charities is the representative body of the majority of charitable organisations operating on the island, with 290 members. The Association provides guidance and sometimes funding, but establishing a Jersey charity is not dependent upon membership.

Purpose of the new law

A new law would define what makes a charity a charity; set out what charitable purpose is; put in place a requirement for all charities to deliver public benefit; and make it a requirement for all charities to be included on a public register.

The Department hopes to hear back from members of the public, voluntary and community sector groups, and financial services organisations about the following:

• An up-to-date modern definition of charity.
• Should there be a public charities register, who should be on that register and what information would they need to provide?
• Whether there should be an independent charities commissioner.
• Whether the proposed charities law should allow for future proportionate regulation of charities.

Importance of charities' role

“Charities play a unique and important role in our community, undertaking vital work that is supported through the generosity of Islanders,” the Department said in a statement. “We want to consult Islanders about the proposed development of a legal and regulatory framework that supports charities to grow and flourish, whilst protecting public trust and confidence.”

The statement added that the consultation is not about the detail of the law, but on whether a law should be introduced based on the principles outlined in its report. Islanders will have an opportunity to comment on the specifics in the near future.

How to take part

Full information on the consultation can be found on the Jersey government’s website here, including details of a series of consultation events to be held during July.

Consultation submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Charities consultation, Cyril Le Marquand House, PO Box 140, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8QT. Interested parties can also complete an online survey.

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