OSCR, the Scottish charity regulator, has said that it is seeking feedback from charities over its updated draft Guidance for Charity Trustees.

In a statement, OSCR said that it is looking to update its guidance for charity trustees for the first time since 2010 and will be accepting feedback from Scottish charities on the issue from now until December 18.

A copy of the new guidance, available on OSCR’s website, has been drafted to include “a less formal tone, illustrative examples and web-based sections” to allow for trustees to more easily find areas of particular concern for their organisations.

OSCR said that it has conducted “over 2,000 inquiries into charity governance” since updating its guidance, as well as producing Who’s in Charge, a separate guidance document for trustees.

A spokesman for OSCR said that elements of the document are not finished yet – particularly the guidance pertaining to trustee’s specific duties in relation to fundraising. He said the regulator would not attempt to finish drafting that part of its guidance until after SCVO’s fundraising summit.

Laura Anderson, head of enforcement at OSCR, said: “Our draft updated guidance focuses more clearly on what’s expected of charity trustees, and highlights some of the common issues and challenges facing those that run charities.  

“While the underlying principles of our guidance haven’t changed, what we’ve tried to do is set out in a more straightforward way what charity trustees must consider, so that they meet legal requirements, ensure that their charities are well-run, and avoid some of the common problems that can arise.

“We’re keen to know what charities and their advisors make of the guidance – please have a look and tell us what you think.”

Scottish charities can respond to the open consultation here.