Joint Committee on the Draft Charities Bill

Joint Committee on the Draft Charities Bill Written Evidence

DCH 332 NACVS - Supplementary evidence

Vincent

Thank you for asking me for further comments on the draft Charities Bill.

After appearing before the Committee last week one member, the Earl of Caithness, asked me for NACVS' views on Clause 5 of the draft Bill.

NACVS believes that the Charity Commission should be required to undertake reviews of charities to check that they are working for public benefit. This will inspire more public confidence in charities and will be generally welcomed by trustees of CVS and local charities.

We do not think that it is necessary for the Commission to concern itself with the economic and social impact of charities. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that charities use their resources effectively and will seek advice from the Commission, from CVS and from others in order to achieve this. Increasingly, funders of charities require them to describe the 'impact' they are having and to report on their 'outcomes'. This is not a matter which requires Charity Commission intervention. Even if intervention was considered necessary there is no reason to focus in particular on social and economic objectives.

We suggest therefore that the regulatory objectives set out in clause 5 of the Bill be amended.

I hope this comment is helpful.

Kevin Curley

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Kevin Curley

Chief Executive

NACVS

177 Arundel Street

Sheffield, S1 2NU

Tel: 0114 278 6636

Fax: 0114 278 7004

Textphone: 0114 278 7025