The Charity Commission, the regulator for charities in England
and Wales, today welcomes a report from the National
Audit Office (NAO) that recognises the progress it has
made in becoming a more effective regulator, including in its
digital transformation. The report follows the NAO’s previous
reports into the effectiveness of the Commission in 2013 and
2015.
The report commends the progress that the Commission has made in
a number of key areas of its transformation including:
- becoming a more risk-based regulator – referencing the launch
of its Risk Assessment Unit and its refreshed risk framework
- securing new powers and using them effectively – evidenced by
the reduced challenges it faces in the First Tier Tribunal
(Charity) and the reduction in the average length of its
investigations
- the improved services it offers – including the launch of a
new registration system that has reduced waiting times despite
significant increases in registration applications
- working more effectively with others – including improved
external engagement with charities on key projects and an
increased number of memoranda of understanding with key partner
organisations and agencies
The report also makes a number of recommendations as to how the
regulator can continue to make improvements and regulate more
effectively.
It stresses that a sustainable funding model will be crucial to
the Commission’s continuing transformation and suggests a public
consultation may be required to agree a shared position between
government, the regulator and the sector as to the level and
source of longer term funding.
The Commission expects this report to end the NAO’s formal
engagement with the Commission, following its initial
investigation in 2013.
William Shawcross, Chairman of the Charity Commission, said:
I am delighted this report recognises the huge strides we have
made in the last five years to become a more effective,
risk-based regulator. There is still work to be done but as my
time at the Commission comes towards an end, we can rightly be
proud of the transformation we have gone through. Huge credit
must be given to our incredible staff who have been central to
this throughout.
Helen Stephenson, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission,
said:
This report chimes with my initial reflections of the
Commission – that of a team who are hardworking, innovative and
strive to continuously improve in order to achieve the best to
protect charities and the public. Great progress was made in
transforming our systems, processes, approach and attitude
under Paula’s leadership to become a truly digitally focused,
modern regulator. I look forward to continuing that progress in
line with this report’s positive recommendations in the coming
months, including the pressing matter of securing a sustainable
funding model for the years ahead.
Ends
