The Charity Commission is established by law as the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. Its role is to:
- secure compliance with charity law, and dealing with abuse and poor practice;
- enable charities to work better within an effective legal, accounting and governance framework, keeping pace with developments in society, the economy and the law; and
- promote sound governance and accountability.
The Commission’s aim is to provide the best possible regulation of charities in England and Wales, in order to increase charities’ efficiency and effectiveness, and ensure public confidence and trust in charities.
The Charites Act 2006 provides for an expanded role for the Charity Commission. It modernises the Charity Commission's functions and powers as regulator, increases its accountability, and makes it responsible for a regime governing fundraising public collections.
The Charity Commission website has more information about its role as the regulator of charities and its role under the Charities Act 2006.
The Charity Commission and the Office of the Third Sector have produced a plain English guide to the Charities Act 2006.
