NCVO welcomes Public Benefit Research

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has today welcomed a report which suggests that the public benefit requirement is viewed by those involved with the charity sector as an opportunity to develop and maintain public confidence in charities.  The independent research was commissioned by the Charity Commission and carried out by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research and Sheffield Hallam University.  It explores the perceptions, knowledge and experience of the public benefit requirement. 

Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: ‘This research reaffirms that public benefit is the cornerstone of charity law, and a central tenet for maintaining public trust and confidence in the sector’s work. It is also very positive that the renewed focus on public benefit has paved the way for fresh ideas and strategic thinking by trustees.’

For more information contact Mandy Murphy in NCVO’s press office on 07714 243 942 or email mandy.murphy@ncvo-vol.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

The full report, The impact of the public benefit requirement in the Charities Act 2006: perceptions, knowledge and experience can be downloaded from: www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) www.ncvo-vol.org.uk is the umbrella body for the voluntary sector in England, with sister councils in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  NCVO has over 8,300 members, ranging from large national bodies to community groups, volunteer centres, and development agencies working at a local level. With over 280,000 staff and over 13 million volunteers working for our members, we represent and support almost half the voluntary sector workforce.