Press releases
Charity Tax Commission launches public call for evidence
The Charity Tax Commission has launched a consultation seeking views on whether and how the tax treatment of charities – estimated to be worth around £3.7bn a year – needs to be reformed.
The review, the first systematic look at charity tax reliefs in over 20 years, will examine the role charities play in society, and seek to identify ways to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the current system.
Read more: Charity Tax Commission launches public call for evidence
Appointment of Baroness Stowell as chair of the Charity Commission
Commenting on the appointment of Tina Stowell as chair of the Charity Commission, Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said:
I am looking forward to working with Baroness Stowell. I think she will bring fresh ideas to the role, and her emphasis on the importance of working in partnership with the sector at her pre-appointment hearing yesterday was welcome.
Read more: Appointment of Baroness Stowell as chair of the Charity Commission
NCVO statement on sexual abuse in international development
Peter Kellner, chair of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which represents charities, said:
International development charities take abuse issues very seriously and are constantly working to root out those who are looking to do wrong under the guise of helping some of the world’s most vulnerable. All the major charities have policies and procedures in place and dedicate significant effort to minimising the risk of abuse taking place. However, it is clear that more can and must be done, not only to revive the reputation of those charities in the news but also to maintain public confidence in the sector as a whole.
Read more: NCVO statement on sexual abuse in international development
Sir Stuart Etherington appointed as visiting fellow at Cumberland Lodge
NCVO’s chief executive, Stuart Etherington, has been appointed a visiting fellow at Cumberland Lodge, an educational institution and charity which is focused on inspiring and equipping people to tackle social division.
In the role, Sir Stuart will act as an ambassador for Cumberland Lodge and will bring his expertise to the Lodge’s academic life through contributing to its events and lectures programme.
Read more: Sir Stuart Etherington appointed as visiting fellow at Cumberland Lodge
Baroness Stowell set to be next Charity Commission chair: NCVO comment
Commenting on the announcement of Tina Stowell, Baroness Stowell of Beeston, as the government’s preferred candidate for the role of chair of the Charity Commission, Peter Kellner, chair of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, which represents charities, said:
I would like to warmly welcome the announcement of Baroness Stowell as preferred candidate for chair of the Charity Commission.
Read more: Baroness Stowell set to be next Charity Commission chair: NCVO comment
NCVO response to reports around the Presidents Club Charitable Trust’s annual fundraising dinner
Commenting, Elizabeth Chamberlain, head of policy at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, which represents charities, said:
We are grateful to the Financial Times investigation for uncovering such shameful behaviour. These revelations have left all of us across the sector in a state of shock, and in many cases disgust.
Any reputable charity would be horrified to be associated with an event like this. Sexual abuse at an event that claims fundraising for children's charities as its aim is particularly deplorable.
NCVO response to Charity Commission funding announcement
Commenting on the announcement that the Charity Commission will be consulting on implementing new fees for charities, Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said:
An effective regulator is a crucial part of the foundation for a strong charity sector. I'm pleased that the Treasury has allocated additional funding for the Commission to carry out its important regulatory work.
Read more: NCVO response to Charity Commission funding announcement
Voluntary organisations should consider publishing gender pay gap data regardless of size, NCVO recommends
Voluntary organisations should consider publishing information about the differences in pay between men and women even if they have less than 250 employees, an umbrella body has recommended.
New rules introduced in April 2017 mean that all private and voluntary-sector employers in England, Wales and Scotland with 250 or more employees are required to publish information about the differences in pay between men and women on an annual basis from 2017.
Although it employs only around 100 staff, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which represents more than 13,000 charities in England, has voluntarily published its own gender pay gap data in a bid to increase transparency and encourage other charities and social enterprises to do the same.
Charity tax commission publishes terms of reference
The commission undertaking a full review of how the tax system works for charities has published its terms of reference, it was announced today.
The Charity Tax Commission will examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the current tax treatment of charities and make recommendations on how to improve the current system to ensure it generates maximum public benefit.
Read more: Charity tax commission publishes terms of reference
Increase UK productivity and reduce inequalities post-Brexit with world-leading initiative, says cross-sector working group
Government must seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve funding for education, training and employment support for the most vulnerable groups in society when the UK leaves the EU, a cross-sector working group has said.
The group convened by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) today published proposals for a successor to the European Social Fund (ESF) that it said would help boost productivity and create a fairer and more inclusive society.
