OSCR Announces Review Pilots

11 December 2006

The first Scottish charities to be assessed under new rules have been announced by OSCR, including an independent school, a university and two miners' welfare societies.

OSCR has confirmed that eight charities will participate in the pilot programme for its Rolling Review, which will measure every one of Scotland's 22,000 charities against the new charity test specified in the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. 

Since taking up its full powers in April, OSCR has created over 300 new charities that meet the new charity test.  OSCR announced its proposals for the Rolling Review for all existing charities at the end of September, identifying a number of 'priority groups' such as schools and universities for consideration and outlining how the process could allow efficiencies to achieve an ongoing cycle of reviewing charitable status for all entries in the Scottish Charity Register. 

The Regulator is currently consulting on its proposals with a programme of focus groups and user groups, allowing charities to voice their views on OSCR's general approach and specific processes.

Those undergoing early assessment in the pilot programme will, says OSCR's Head of Charities Marieke Dwarshuis, inform OSCR's processes and ensure an easy transition to the full programme, scheduled to begin in June next year.

'The Rolling Review represents the most fundamental examination of charitable status in Scotland,' she said.  'We have had an enthusiastic response so far to our proposals and we welcome the participation of those charities volunteering for our pilot programme.  Such co-operation will greatly assist us in refining our procedures and establish a generally straightforward process for those being assessed under the Rolling Review from next year,' she added.

Those charities confirmed for the Rolling Review Pilot Programme are as follows:

1. The High School of Dundee;

2. The University of Dundee;

3. Voluntary Action Fund, Dunfermline;

4. Eastriggs and Dornock Childrens' Gala Fund, Eastriggs;

5. Coalburn Miners Welfare Charitable Trust, Coalburn, South Lanarkshire;

6. Arniston Miners Welfare and Social Club, Arniston, Midlothian;

7. John Wheatley College, Glasgow;

8. Pollokshaws Methodist Church, Glasgow.

OSCR expects to announce the first results of the pilot assessments in March, prior to its publication of its consultation responses.  OSCR is currently consulting on its proposals for the Rolling Review, which can be viewed at www.oscr.org.uk or requested as hard copy on 01382 34 6885.  Written responses can be submitted to the Regulator up to 8th January 2007.

ENDS

Issued by OSCR.  For further information contact 01382 34 6890 or email: mark.simpson@oscr.org.uk