Public survey as MSPs begin scrutiny of Charities Bill

People, especially those involved with charities, have been invited to give their views on reforms to Scottish charity regulation by a Holyrood committee as it begins its scrutiny of the Scottish Government's bill on the subject.

The Parliament’s Social Justice & Social Security Committee has published a short survey and a more detailed consultation as options for responding to its call for evidence on the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill, which it is now examining at stage 1 of the bill's parliamentary journey.

Under the bill, OSCR, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, would have wider powers to investigate charities and charity trustees, and rules around who can be a charity trustee or senior office-holder in a charity would also be tightened. More information would be included on the Scottish Charity Register, and the bill would also provide for a record of charities that have merged.

The proposed changes were developed following suggestions from OSCR. Some of them would bring the Scottish legislation into line with the current position in England & Wales.

MSPs on the committee want to understand what impact the changes might have, and have devised the consultation exercise to make it as easy as possible for all charities to respond, no matter their size. 

They hope to get an insight into how the charity sector has changed since the Charities Act was passed in 2005 and get a better idea of how the updated laws might impact the Scottish public.

Committee convener Natalie Don MSP commented: "Charities are a cornerstone of public life in Scotland, with millions of people across the country supporting, or benefitting from their work. It is important that the public can have faith in the often vital work that they do. We’re keen to understand the extent to which the bill might strengthen that accountability and transparency.

"We also want to understand what administrative impact the Bill might place on charities and their trustees. We understand that many people volunteer for charities and we want to know how these changes might impact on the way that they are able to perform these roles. 

"There are more than 25,000 charities in Scotland and we would like anybody who has a role working or volunteering for one to share their views on the bill, either by completing the detailed call for views, or the shorter survey."

Both the survey and the detailed consultation will close on Friday 3 February 2023.