The Charity Commission is facing a funding cut of 33% in real terms by 2014/2015 and following the completion of the first stage of its strategic review, it has announced that its focus will be on its “core regulatory role and responsibilities”.  In view of this, it is likely that the Commission’s ability to give advice to charity trustees will be reduced with charity trustees having fewer opportunities to have one-to-one interaction with the Commission.

We have launched a free helpline service which we hope will assist charities in dealing with the problem arising from the Commission’s funding cuts.  The helpline service offers free initial general advice on governance issues, such as the powers and responsibilities of trustees, how to deal with conflicts of interest, property matters and reporting and accounting duties. 

We can also help with other issues that you might be facing such as employment and property issues.  Specific advice cannot be provided but, if appropriate, we can provide competitive fee estimates to provide such advice.

The helpline number is 0845 404 2266 and will be available between 3pm and 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

You can also sign up to our regular e-mail update, Charity Matters by sending your name, company name and e-mail address to alan.french@cobbetts.com  Please mark your e-mail as Charity Matters and express whether you prefer to receive HTML or plain text e-mails.

For further information contact jaime.parkes@cobbetts.com