Hope for 2010

21st October 2010

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The Charity sector, no different to any other, is in a bit of a mess. The quality and quantity of provision for those in need has never been better however the market place is so congested that all shop windows are obscured from view. This is to the detriment of the customer.

In 2010 I would like to see a real political determination to look at all Charity legislation and get rid of what is defunct and outdated before any new legislation is brought in. Many compliance guidelines and laws are old and contradictory and need contemporising. They can start with addressing the contradictions in SORP.

Official Bodies that have a legal duty should stop giving advice, as it confuses everyone as to what the law actually is. They should merely help enforce and interpret (clearly) the law. There is too much innuendo and misinterpretation, especially from Lawyers and Auditors.

We have so many new charities being formed, which are duplicating work and effort already done elsewhere. The Charity Commission needs to check that those forming a new charity are aware of the sector they are joining and the experience of those in it. They then have to convince the Commission that they are offering or have the potential to offer something new, of better quality and better value. Every new charity implies a failing somewhere.

Sectors should get together with Government and the Commission to produce a Kite Mark for the charities that work in support of the Sector.  

A clear definition of who is the Public and how they may benefit in regard to ‘Public Benefit’ would be nice!

Large charities with massive reserves should be prevented from fundraising until the reserves are reduced and small charities should be encouraged to build up reserves.

All Charities should seriously try to amalgamate or merge with at least one other charity in the year.

I write from the perspective of The Erach and Roshan Sadri Foundation, The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, The Armed Forces Charity Advisory Company and the British Forces Foundation.

<strong>Mark Cann
Director of The British Forces Foundation</strong>
<em>(These are the personal views of Mark Cann and not necessarily those of the Charity)</em>