Protecting charities from harm is an online toolkit that aims to give trustees the knowledge and tools they need to manage risks and protect their charity from harm and abuse. It comprises the following chapters:
Many charities, including those working overseas in high risk areas, already have good standards in place to minimise the risk from terrorist and other abuse. However, we know that poor governance and administration, and inadequate risk management measures, are key risk factors for charities. High standards of governance and accountability will safeguard a charity from a range of potential abuse, including terrorist abuse, and make the organisation less vulnerable.
The toolkit clarifies legal requirements rather than introducing new ones. It will help trustees to protect their charity from a range of types of harm and abuse, including terrorist abuse. In particular it aims to:
- raise awareness of the risks charities face from abuse
- explain relevant parts of the legal framework within which charities must operate
- explain charity trustees' legal duties and responsibilities to protect their charity
- make clear what steps charity trustees must, as a matter of law, and should as good practice, take to ensure their charity is well protected from terrorist, criminal and other abuse
- ensure trustees properly and responsibly deal with incidents if they arise
- highlight examples of good practice in managing the risks and building safeguards
- encourage charity trustees to improve their charities' transparency and accountability
- add value to charities' work and increase public understanding of the issues
Other Commission guidance
This guidance complements our existing operational guidance/publications:
Contact us
If you would like to send us your comments and feedback or are interested in receiving further information about the toolkit, please contact us.