(Immediate release 8 July 2010)

The Charity Commission’s latest Annual Report, published today, highlights examples of charities that are collaborating with others, as well as highlighting the work the regulator has done to provide additional support for the smallest organisations.

Figures from the report also demonstrate the increasing role that technology is playing in enabling the Commission to provide a quicker and more cost-effective service for charities, with a 24% increase in take-up of the Commission’s online services and more than 40 million page visits to the Commission’s website.

The report gives an overview of key activity over the last twelve months as well as a breakdown of the Commission’s achievement against its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), whilst outlining the economic constraints the charity regulator has already experienced and is likely to face in the future.

The report also includes details of new initiatives to raise awareness of scams within the sector, resources to help charity trustees protect their charities from harm and news on the Commission’s continuing drive to encourage charities to file their accounts on time.

Andrew Hind, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said:

"The Commission has had a very good year and achieved some great results, particularly in our compliance work and in getting more charities to file their accounts on time. However, I am well aware of the huge financial challenge facing us, and know that despite having made significant efficiency savings already, the Commission will not be able to continue delivering all its present services and functions if we receive further significant funding cuts."

The online version of the Annual Report has been developed to allow easy access to specific sections of the report and to allow easy printing. A pdf version can also be downloaded.

End.

For further information on this story please contact the Press Office

PR47/10

Notes to Editors

1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. See www.charitycommission.gov.uk for further information or call our contact centre on 0845 300 0218.

2. Our mission is: to ensure charities’ legal compliance, enhance charities’ accountability, encourage charities’ effectiveness and impact and to promote the public interest in charity.

3. There are over 4 million visitors a year to the Charity Commission’s website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk