Charity Commission publishes results of review visits
Following the completion of its 1000th
review visit, designed to help Charity Commission staff understand the
issues facing charities, three key topics have emerged as priorities for
charities to consider. All trustees are advised to review these as they
affect their individual charity.
- Trustees need to guard against 'object drift' by regularly checking that their group's activities are in line with the objects set out in their governing documents. Guidance is available from the Commission for charities considering updating their objects. Chasing after funding can sometimes lead to charities getting involved in activities outside their stated charitable purpose.
- Governing boards need to be more aware of trustee payments
and conflict of interest issues. These are covered in the publication
'Trustee Recruitment, Selection and Induction'. Common problems include
ex-trustees becoming paid employees or trustees representing another
organisation on the governing body. Log on to the website www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/report1.asp
for more information.
- All charities working with vulnerable service users, including children, need to have a protection policy. The review visit teams encountered many charities without one. Guidance is available on the website www.charitycommission.gov.uk/supportingcharities/protection.asp or by calling the Commission.
( For clarification on any of these issues call Nick Meakin at CVS on 01332 227708 or email nmeakin@cvsderby.co.uk
(from Network News, Mar/Apr 2004)
