The regulatory role of the Charity Commission

Abstract

With gross income of £16bn and assests of over £35bn the charity sector is an important part of the economy but how efficient is the Charity Commision at regulating its activity? This article studies two high profile investigations performed by the Commision (War on Want and Oxfam) and asks whether the Commission was forced to react to adverse public comment by launching inquiries it did not want. Adverse reports into the activities of the Charity Commision have resulted in better monitoring procedures and the recruitment of qualified accountants. In addition the increasing diversification of the activities of the charity sector is bringing regulation by other forces, will these be any more effective? In a sector depending on public support another failure could cause serious problems.