21 June 2011

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has today published useful web pages on risk designed specifically for small charities. The new resource is published during Small Charity Week (20th-24th June).

The new pages provide 10 useful questions that small charities should ask themselves to avoid problems. These cover areas such as making sure your charity is working in line with its governing document, ensuring that all trustees are properly appointed, how to assess risk and the importance of preparing accounts and trustee reports.

The pages also cover simplified risk management for small charities as well as how small charities can avoid typical risks.

The new pages are part of the Commission’s web-based resource area for small charities, whether they are above or below the £5,000 registration threshold. The resource area includes guidance on setting up small charities and running them, including a copy of the small charities constitution.

Sam Younger, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission said;

"Half of the charities on our Register have an income of £10,000 of less, not to mention the thousands of charities below the registration threshold, so we do recognise that there is a real need for information for small charities and their specific needs. That’s why we have been gradually adding to the web-based resources we provide for them with this latest helpful addition on risk. "

The information can be found in the small charities section of the Commission’s website.

End.

For more information please contact the press office.

PR 30/11

Notes to editors

1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator and registrar of charities. See our website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk

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. You can find more helpful information for journalists on our online Media Information Centre - http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/about_us/contacting_us/press_office/media_information/default.aspx