About the CFDG
Charity Law and Regulation
CFDG works with the government to ensure that the legal and regulatory framework is fit for purpose and meets the needs of the voluntary sector. We also work towards ensuring that the legal environment helps charities to develop their activities and services and moves towards more flexible funding arrangements while giving confidence to the public about the integrity of charities.
This section keeps you up to date on the latest developments taking place in the sector and enables you to help shape future government policy by taking part in consultations and campaigns.
The Big Society De-regulation Taskforce
On 17th August 2010 Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society and Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Business and Enterprise, announced the setting up of a new red-tape cutting taskforce as part of the Government's committment to making it easier to run charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises.
This taskforce is led by Lord Hodgson, President of NCVO. Other members include Andrew Hind, retiring Chief Executive of the Charity Commission; Lynne Berry, Chief Executive WRVS; David Tyler, Chief Executive Community Matters; Sir Graham Melmoth, retiring chair of NCVO and David Thompson, Chair of Marstons PLC.
Decision on the areas of focus for this review will be made by the taskforce itself. The taskforce is due to report to Ministers in early 2011.
June 2010 Budget announcement
The Depatment of Business, Innovation and Skills will undertake a fundamental review of regulation and publish this information in July. Measures included a one in one out proposal, sunset clauses and departmental reviews of employment laws.
CFDG will be seeking active engagement with Government on this issue to achieve that right balance between regulation and risk and to ensure the views of our members and the sector are represented.
Regulatory Reform: a CFDG position paper
CFDG have published a new position paper on regulation, outlining the issues that exist for CFDG members and the changes that we believe are needed. You can download the paper here.
If you wish to discuss the paper, please contact Kate Hand, on 020 7785 6419 or at kate.hand@cfdg.org.uk.
FSA Compensation Scheme Rules
CFDG is concerned about the ability charities to qualify for compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Currently, charities that are limited companies are not covered under the compensation scheme unless they meet the small companies rules. We have addressed these concerns to the Chancellor in a letter of 9th October 2008.
Charities Act 2006
CFDG is pleased that the Charities Bill has now received royal assent and has become an Act. CFDG was particularly pleased that our amendment tabled by Lord Dubs on Group Accounts was accepted. We now look forward to working with you, our members, on how this new legisation will impact on you. The Office of the Third Sector has published a timetable for the implementation of the Act and you can find a link to this document below. Copies of the Charities Act are available from the Office of Public Sector Information:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/documents/charity_reform/implementation_plan.pdf
Also below you can see a short and longer guide to the Charities Act from Farrer and Co.
Long Guide
Short Guide
We also have an explanation of the provisions in the third commencement order of the Charities Act:
Briefing
New Chair of the Charity Commission
Dame Suzi Leather has been appointed Chair of the Charity Commission and will take over from Geraldine Peacock on 1 August 2006. Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Third Sector at the Cabinet Office announced the appointment on 15 June. Suzi Leather will step down as Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and as Chair of the School Food Trust.
Charity Commission
The Charity Commission is established by law as the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales.
www.charity-commission.gov.uk