The “vital work” of charities has been damaged by aggressive fundraisers at some charities which had lost their way, the chair of the Charity Commission has written today in an article for The Times.

“Over the last year vital work by thousands of fine charities, their workers and volunteers has been overshadowed by the careless actions of a few,” William Shawcross wrote in an opinion piece for the newspaper. “Aggressive fundraising practices and the collapse of Kids Company chimed with a sense that some charities had lost their way.

“Happily there are signs that charities are learning from recent failures, particularly in fundraising, which they regulate themselves. Some have changed their methods, by sacking aggressive commercial fundraisers or ending door-to-door soliciting. These are serious decisions for trustees that can involve the short-term loss of income.

Charities are establishing their own, more powerful, Fundraising Regulator. I hope they will embrace this last chance for self-regulation. Otherwise the task will fall upon the Charity Commission, which oversees the sector. It is far better that charities continue to set their own standards — but they must do it well.”

Charities must spend more on good governance

Shawcross also wrote that charities, funders and infrastructure bodies must invest more resource into improving governance in the sector, the chair of the Charity Commission said today.

“The voluntary sector, and especially trustees, must ensure they have proper governance procedures in place,” he wrote. “The 2,000 charities with incomes over £5, which account for 70 per cent of the £70bn of registered charitable income, have the greatest capacity to act and the greatest responsibility to show leadership.

“I would encourage large charities, umbrella groups, foundations and other funders to invest, with time as much as money, in improving governance. Business can play its part and reap the workforce benefits.

“By improving governance, encouraging young people and seeking amends for past wrongs, trust can be rebuilt and confidence restored.”