The House of Lords Select Committee on Charities has published its report, ‘Stronger charities for a stronger society’, in which the Committee praises the important role that charities play in our society. The report stresses that if the sustainability of charities is to be maintained, it is essential that their contribution is recognised by the Government and Charity Commission. Charities too must be certain that their governance is strong enough to enable them to face a challenging future with confidence.

The chairwoman of the Committee said: “Charities are the lifeblood of society. They play a fundamental role in our civil life and do so despite facing a multitude of challenges. Yet for them to continue to flourish, it is clear that they must be supported and promoted. “We found that charities lead the way with innovation, but that this is at risk of being stifled by the ‘contract culture’. And while advocacy is a sign of a healthy democracy, and is a central part of charities’ role, this role has been threatened by Government.

Below are some of the report’s recommendations

• There should be more support for charities’ core costs and contracts should be longer wherever possible so that charities can plan for the future.
• More training and skills development for charity trustees in order to improve the strength of charity governance.
• The Government and Charity Commission should engage more effectively with the charity sector in future and to ensure that regulations and guidance make clear that these are not intended to restrict charities’ vital campaigning and advocacy roles.
• Additional support for charities with digital technology and innovation, by bringing in trustees with digital expertise, and by infrastructure bodies sharing knowledge and best practice on innovation and training opportunities

Click here to see the full report