Charity Update - 22 July 2021
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There is a definite sense of planning for the future as we emerge cautiously from the pandemic, with the Charity Commission publishing its annual report and business plan, the latest news on the Charities Bill (plus a briefing paper on it prepared by the charity sector) and research published on what drives demand for volunteers and much more. We hope you enjoy this news roundup.
Neil Palmer
16 July 2021
When is a Community Interest Company (CIC) the right business model?
The Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies releases a webinar exploring CICs. The webinar overviews social enterprise models, charities and CICs and the differences between them.
Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies
16 July 2021
Fundraising Regulator reflects on the past five years of fundraising and data protection regulation
The Fundraising Regulator explores how the charitable sector has improved data protection practices. The regulator also urges charities to be vigilant in order to uphold the public's trust.
Fundraising Regulator
15 July 2021
Charity regulator publishes annual report, business plan and customer survey research
The Charity Commission reports on its work in 2020-21 and plans for 2021-22. Read the documents here. Its chief executive, Helen Stephenson, also comments on the Commission's 'priorities and plans' .
Charity Commission
15 July 2021
Report shows that charities face foreign exchange challenges
A report by Charitytransfers.org and Crowe shows that charities are losing out as a result of currency volatility and high transaction costs. 55% of survey respondents name FX volatility as a major challenge.
Charitytransfers.org
14 July 2021
Research shows that trust in charities has improved but expectations remain high
Trust in charities is gradually recovering to a six year high. However the trust built remains fragile. There is "no room for complacency" with people sharing consistently high expectations of charities. People expect charities to: show that they make a positive difference, spend a high proportion of funds on the end case, and live their values. Read the research here.
Charity Commission
14 July 2021
Research report published on volunteer passports
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport commissioned research into volunteer passports to find out more about the progress in developing volunteer passport initiatives in the UK and internationally, as well as identifying the perceived demand, opportunities and challenges of these initiatives. Read the report here.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
14 July 2021
Charities Bill committed to a Special Public Bill Committee
The Charities Bill was read a second time in the Hcommitted to a Special Public Bill Committee.
UK Parliament
14 July 2021
National Centre for Social Research report on drivers in demand for volunteers in England
The research examines what drives demand for volunteers, how this varies over a calendar year and how COVID-19 restrictions have affected these drivers. The report found the pandemic increased the demand for COVID-19 emergency response volunteers, but in person volunteering not focused on COVID-19 emergency response declined. The findings also indicated that organisations need to communicate the importance of administrative volunteering as well as continuing to offer the more flexible volunteering options seen in the pandemic. Read the report here.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
17 June 2021
Scottish Government's Volunteering Support Fund is open for applications
Organisations can apply for up to £30,000 to March 2024. The £3.3 million Fund will be delivered by Impact Funding Partners over the next three years. It is intended to support small to medium sized Scottish third sector enterprises.
OSCR
14 July 2021
Transgender charity Mermaids fined by ICO for data protection breach
The Information Commissioner's Office has fined Mermaids £25,000 for failing to keep the personal data of its users secure. Read information on the ICO's decision here.
Information Commissioner's Office
Charity sector produce a joint briefing paper on the Charities Bill
The document highlights areas of concern and details areas where the sector supports the Bill, including making it easier to amend governing documents, dispose of land and avoid disputes over whether a trustee has been correctly appointed.
Charity Finance Group​