Charity law and regulation

Charity Law and Regulation is a key area of NCVO's work, ensuring that the sector has a legal and regulatory framework that meets the needs of charities in the 21st Century, and maintains public trust and confidence.

For further information, or if you would like to discuss any of our work on charity law and regulation, please email Elizabeth Chamberlain.

NCVO Charity Law Review Advisory Group

NCVO has set up a group of charity and legal experts, with the aim of carrying out an independent review of charity law and develop proposals to improve the legal and regulatory framework in which charities operate.

Recommendations by NCVO's Task & Finish Group on Charities and Fraud

NCVO set up a Task & Finish Group to explore the potential duplication of role of the Charity Commission and HMRC in relation to fraud and the levels of protection they provide. The Group has now published its report, which includes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the regulatory framework in which charities operate, with particular focus on ensuring the administrative burden is minimised when implementing fraud prevention measures.

More information about the Task & Finish Group and the report.

NCVO Task and Finish Group on Charities and Fraud launch report

NCVO's Task and Finish Group has produced a report analysing the respective roles of the Charity Commission and HMRC in preventing fraud within charities. The report includes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the regulatory framework in which charities operate.

NCVO intervenes in Charity Tribunal

The Independent Schools Council has brought judicial review proceedings challenging (i) the lawfulness of the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance and (ii) the way it has applied that guidance when carrying out its public benefit assessments. NCVO has been given permission to intervene in these proceedings, which centre upon what charities charging high fees must do in order to meet the public benefit requirement. The verdict was announced on 14 October 2011.

Find out more about the Public Benefit Case

Charity Commission Strategic Review

Following the announcement of a funding cut of 33% by 2014/15, the Charity Commission has launched a public consultation on its future role and focus.

Find out more about the Charity Commission's consultation

Task Force on 'Cutting Red Tape'

The Government has launched a cross-departmental Task Force on 'Cutting Red Tape'. The aim of the Task Force is to reduce bureaucratic burdens on civil society organisations, making it easier to run charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises.

Further information about the De-Regulation Task Force