The Charity Commission has launched its new digital service for charities completing their 2017 annual return.
It is the latest development in the regulator’s digital transformation programme. Digital services to enable charities to change their name or update their governing document are also expected to launch in the next couple of months.
The new service means that when charities come to fill out their 2018 annual return, they will be asked to confirm that some information is still accurate, rather than be required to re-enter it.
The Commission has produced guidance on using the new service.
The regulator will also be able to tailor the questions charities have to answer depending on the type and size of charity, but said no significant changes to the questions has been made for this year.
A consultation on the questions to be included on the 2018 return is expected to launch in the autumn. This is likely to propose a new question on declaring sources of funding sources from overseas, after the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, announced that the Commission would begin gathering this data as part of plans to prevent terrorism.
All charities must complete an annual return each year. Charities with incomes under £10,000 need to send income and expenditure figures, those between £10,001 and £25,000 need to complete the annual return form, and those with incomes over £25,000 also need to include a copy of their annual accounts.
All charitable incorporated organisations have to both complete the annual return and send their annual accounts.
‘We need your help’
The Charity Commission has also put out a call for people in the sector to help test its digital services in order to make them easier to use.
In a statement on its website this week, the Commission said that by taking part in user research and testing sessions, charities will have the opportunity to positively influence its services.
User testing sessions will take place around the country over the next few months. Find out more on the Commission’s website.
From Governance & Leadership magazine
New memorandum of Understanding
Meanwhile, the Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department for Education, including the department’s executive agency, the Education Funding Council.
Memoranda of understanding are intended to facilitate communication and promote co-operation between different bodies. The Commission already has a number with central government departments and other regulators.
The agreement with the DfE sets out how the two bodies will work together to co-ordinate regulatory operations and formulate the regulatory policy framework.
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