May Commentary

16 May 2016

The press and the media have got the “bit between their teeth” on the subject of charities.  Hardly a day goes by without something (usually derogatory) being published about alleged misdeeds by a charity, its trustees or staff.  Mismanagement of charity assets, unchecked conflicts of interest, fraud and unlawful political activities have all been highlighted.  As night follows day, adverse press commentary is followed by regulatory intervention by the Charity Commission and a published report highlighting the Charity Commission’s findings.

If they haven’t already done so, trustees and senior staff of charities should take stock of their policies and procedures and make appropriate adjustments.  It helps to keep the Charity Commission at bay, satisfies donors and supporters that all is well, maintains trustee and staff morale and helps to preserve the good reputation of a charity.

Of all of the publications on the Charity Commission website, I think that the best one is CC3: The Essential Trustee.  It has been updated recently and all trustees should read it, whether they have been in office for some time, are newly appointed or are considering accepting a trusteeship.  CC3 is invaluable and if trustees follow this guidance they are unlikely to be found in breach of their duties. 

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