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Governance

How do charities approach investing in line with their purpose and values? We want to know, and we want to help

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3 stacks of coins with small plants growing at the top.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic which is affecting many charities, we have extended the deadline for responses to 30 April 2020. See the section 'We want to hear from you' for more information. Charities are driven by a passion …

We regulate charities within the boundaries of a clear legal framework – the Courts and Tribunal hold us to that

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The High Court in London.

  This month (November 2019) we won a landmark case in the High Court. For the first time, we made an application for a finding of contempt of court, after trustees repeatedly failed to comply with Commission Orders seeking information …

Charities and political campaigning: a reflection on charities’ responsibilities

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Helen Stephenson (Charity Commission CEO).

With expectations growing of a general election before the end of this year and all political parties preparing for it, I want to remind charities of their responsibilities and of the guidance we publish to help decision making around political …

Educational charities must behave charitably

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A library with lots of books.

Universities and colleges are some of the most substantial charities in England. This status brings with it a special responsibility. Organisations established for the valued charitable purpose of advancing education must do so for the public benefit, helping society to …

Thanks but no thanks: when should charities refuse donations?

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£10 and £20 notes.

Recent high-profile scandals have left many charity trustees wondering how to do the right thing when it comes to accepting certain donations. Trustees have rightly been wanting to make sure that money does not come from sources that might compromise …

How to assess risk for charities working internationally

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Scales with a balance showing the word 'Risk'

Charities working internationally may face particular risks due to their operating environment including the application of financial sanctions, greater levels of corruption or criminal activity and the presence of terrorists, proscribed groups or designated entities. As a risk-led regulator, we …

Protecting your charity this Anti-Corruption Day and beyond

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Two people shaking hands with lots of £20 notes in the background.

This Sunday (9 December) is International Anti-Corruption Day, a United Nations global campaign to raise awareness of the severity and impact of corruption to social and economic development. Around $1 trillion is paid in bribes each year and an estimated …

Freedom of speech helps charity, and society thrive – but it’s not an absolute right

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As registrar of the 167,000 charities in England and Wales, we are witness every day to the outstanding role these organisations play in bettering society. Charities are at their best when they contribute to civil society by building social cohesion, …

Guidance for charities working internationally: you spoke, we listened

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A world map with the words 'Charities working internationally'.

In the spring we launched a survey for charities working internationally to find out if our guidance meets your needs. Charities working internationally may face particular risks due to their operating environment that could be caused by political, social or …