The Charity Commission will not be “weaponised” by people or organisations fighting “culture wars”, its chair Orlando Fraser has said.
Fraser made the comments today in a speech to charity leaders at the launch of the Commission’s new five-year strategy in London.
“I will not allow the Commission to be misused or weaponised by any army involved in fighting these [culture] wars,” he said.
“Whether it be led by powerful interests in politics, the media, or indeed the sector itself.”
The Commission stressed its independence in its five-year strategy, published today, and committed to fair and proportionate in its work.
It comes after outgoing Commission chief executive Helen Stephenson recently said that culture wars have affected many charities “acutely”.
‘I will not allow the Commission to be misused’
Fraser said that the regulator is emphasising its independence “so strongly” in its new strategy because it believes it will be paramount in coming years.
He said British society has “fewer universally shared values and norms than in past decades” and that the public has less trust in institutions.
While charities can help to bring people together, they can also be drawn into culture wars, he said.
“They can be caught up in fierce public battles for the soul of our nation. These debates help to highlight the crucial work of charities.
“But there are risks involved, when charities find themselves at the biting edge of what we have come to know as the culture wars.
“I will not allow the Commission to be misused or weaponised by any army involved in fighting these wars. Whether it be led by powerful interests in politics, the media, or indeed the sector itself.
“Without doubt, we will find ourselves in contested territory – divisive and contentious issues will arise, that is the nature of our work, and inherent in the role charities play in our society.”
‘Promote respect, tolerance and kindness’
When the regulator becomes engaged in these debates, it will aim to respond in a way that “seeks to promote respect, tolerance, and kindness”, Fraser said.
“And we will expect the charities we regulate to do the same, responding with purpose-led magnanimity to attacks they may face along the way.
“I want us to make our contribution to upholding a democratic, pluralistic, tolerant culture that allows a broad and diverse charity sector to thrive in the first place.”
Five-year strategy
The Commission today set out its key priorities for the next five years in its strategy for 2024-29, which are to:
- Be fair and proportionate in its work, and clear about its role.
- Support charities to get it right, while taking robust action where it sees wrongdoing and harm.
- Speak with authority and credibility, free from the influence of others.
- Embrace technological innovation and strengthen its use of data.
- Be an expert Commission where its people are empowered and enabled to deliver excellence in regulation.
Sarah Vibert, chief executive of NCVO, said: “At a time of great change, challenge and opportunity, today’s launch of the Charity Commission’s new strategy has provided a chance to discuss how we build a stronger sector for the future.
“It's important that we continue to build on our existing relationship to enable better collaboration and sharing, engage in proactive and meaningful partnership between the sector and the regulator, and play our different roles to build confidence and trust in charities so we can meet the challenges we face.
“We remain committed to working in partnership with Commission at every opportunity to create the best possible environment for charities, so every organisation, and the communities they support, can thrive.”
The regulator recently announced David Holdsworth as its next CEO.
Related articles
