Stakeholder surveys prove positive

23 May 2007

OSCR has published a summary of its latest stakeholder surveys, which give valuable feedback on issues of concern and demonstrate that the Regulator is broadly achieving the right balance in its overall approach.

Three surveys were conducted by Robert Marshall, of the University of Glasgow, of Scottish charities, OSCR staff and, for the first time, the general public, to gauge views and gain an understanding of key issues.  The results were summarised into a single document published today on OSCR's website.  Read the summary report here.

Charity Survey

A total of 1,000 charities were surveyed as a representative cross-section of the sector, generating 292 responses.  Views of OSCR are generally positive.  Despite some apprehension last year about the new regulatory landscape, respondents now view OSCR as helpful, providing useful information.  When asked about the most important issue facing the sector, responses were:

• Lack of funding
• Difficulty in attracting volunteers
• Reputational damage to the sector by high profile instances of misconduct

Public Survey

Over 5,000 members of the public were surveyed, selected randomly.  The response rate was 3.6% or 180.  This was OSCR's first public survey and was aimed at establishing a baseline of attitudes to the work of charities, charity regulation, and awareness of OSCR.  When asked what charities could do to reinforce public confidence, responses were:

• Be more open and transparent, particularly in respect of financial matters
• Provide clear evidence or examples of how people benefit from charity investment

There was a clear demand for OSCR to build awareness of its role and activities and this will be developed over the coming year.

OSCR Staff Survey

OSCR's staff were invited to take part in an electronic based survey and over 80 per cent responded.  Key findings were as follows.

• 94 per cent enjoy working for OSCR
• 95 per cent are clear about their work objectives
• 80 per cent feel that OSCR keeps staff well or very well informed

OSCR's Head of Resource Management, Judith Hayhow, who commissioned the research, said that the results were both reassuring and provided a positive basis for further development.

'We welcome the feedback generated by the surveys and have outlined how we intend to respond,' she said.  'Clearly the results are positive and indicate that our priorities are broadly right but there are areas we can develop further,' she added.  'Thanks are due to all those who contributed to the research and provided us with such valuable information,' she added.

OSCR intends to repeat the surveys at the end of 2007.

ENDS

Issued by The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Quadrant House, 9 Riverside Drive, Dundee DD1 4NY.  Telephone: 01382 220 446.  For further information please contact Mark Simpson at OSCR on 01382 34 6890 or 07724 150 833 or email mark.simpson@oscr.org.uk