Share your views on the new Charities Bill
As we announced recently, a new Charities Bill was published in November 2022. If enacted, the new Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill would enhance OSCR’s regulatory powers and help to increase accountability and transparency in Scotland’s 25,000 charities.
The Social Justice and Social Security Committee are now looking for written views on the new Charities Bill to gather feedback and understand what impact the changes in the Bill might have on charities across Scotland.
There are two ways to get involved and share your views in the public consultation:
Detailed Consultation
This includes general questions about the Bill, questions about the Financial Memorandum and the option to provide more detailed comments on individual sections of the Bill.
Take part in the Detailed Consultation
Digital Survey
The digital survey offers an opportunity for a charity to give their views on the bill without the time and resource required to complete the detailed consultation.
Take part in the Digital Survey
Both the detailed consultation and digital survey will close on Friday 3 February 2023.
No matter your charity’s size or type, the Committee welcomes your feedback – whether you would like to share a comprehensive response through the consultation or quickly share your views through the short survey.
Under the proposals in the new Bill, OSCR would have wider powers to investigate charities and charity trustees. Rules around who can be a charity trustee or senior office-holder in a charity would also be tightened.
The proposed changes to the law were developed following suggestions from OSCR. Some of the changes are intended to ensure Scottish legislation is in line with updated legislation in England and Wales.
Remember to share your views by Friday 3 February 2023 to provide your feedback on these potential changes to Scottish charity law.
Please note, a high-level analysis of responses will be made publicly available after the consultation closes, but individual responses will not be published.
Find out more about the Bill at parliament.scot and share your views here.