Not for Profit eNews - August 2024
Welcome to the August 2024 edition of Not for Profit eNews
In this edition we review the Charity Commission’s inquiry into alleged instances of abuse at Ampleforth College, North Yorkshire, the findings of which highlight the importance of regular governance reviews, safeguarding policies and practices, and understanding the relationship between connected charities.
We also focus on two pieces of new/updated guidance recently issued by the Charity Commission: brand new guidance relating to charity banking, which is designed to help charities facing issues setting up or operating their bank accounts and revised guidance on charity meetings which has been updated, setting out how governing documents should reflect the practicalities of holding video meetings.
We also draw attention to the open letter issued by the Commission to CEOs of Local Authorities in light of a significant increase in the non-compliance of Local Authorities regarding their legal duties as charity Trustees.
We note that Thursday 03 October 2024 marks Gift Aid Awareness Day, and we join the Charity Finance Group in urging charities to spread the #TickTheBox message on social media. Visit their website for access to their social media toolkit.
Articles from the August 2024 edition
Safeguarding Concerns Inquiry
Following a lengthy inquiry in response to news articles published in 2016 regarding allegations of abuse of pupils at Ampleforth College (‘the College’), the Charity Commission has recently published its findings.
Charity Banking
Many charities are facing continued struggles with their bankers, becoming a serious issue for the volunteer-led sector as a whole, both in terms of time and support loss and governance risks.
Regulator Refreshes Meetings Guidance for the Digital Era
The outbreak of Covid-19 back in late 2019 resulted in an increased use of video call services for holding online meetings, raising questions as to how charities could appropriately comply with their governing documents.
Charity Commission Letter to Chief Executive Officers of Local Authorities
The Charity Commission has published a letter to Chief Executive officers of Local Authorities requesting they take action to ensure their organisation’s are complying with their duties when operating as a charity Trustee.