(Immediate Release 13 August 2010)

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has today published a report of the regulator’s assessment of concerns raised about the contribution of the charity Tomorrow’s People Trust Limited (registered charity no. 1102759) to a general election manifesto.

The charity is ‘an independent employment charity which works nationally with the long-term unemployed, helping people overcome personal barriers so that they can move into long-term, sustainable jobs’.

The charity’s contribution to the manifesto of a political party issued at the time of the General Election raised concerns that the charity may have or may have been seen as endorsing the political party. Support for a political party is not permitted under charity law, and as such this issue has the potential to impact not just on the work and reputation of the charity, but also on public trust and confidence in charities generally. The full findings of the assessment are published today in a regulatory case report.

The Commission was unable to conclude that the trustees could have properly discharged their legal duties and responsibilities and complied with the guidance on charities and political activities by contributing to the manifesto. Appearing in the party’s manifesto called the charity’s independence into question because it can be seen to be an endorsement of the wider policies of the party and consequently the party itself.

The Commission provided the charity with regulatory advice and guidance regarding the legal and regulatory requirements that must be complied with by charities and the risks associated with any engagement within the political environment. This was the Commission’s first engagement with the Charity regarding concerns of this nature. The trustees have co-operated with the Commission’s assessment and accepted the regulatory advice and guidance provided.

The report reminds other charities and their trustees that charities must remain independent from party politics and cannot give support to a political party, politician or candidate. During an election period, the need for impartiality and balance is intensified, and charities must take particular care when undertaking any activities in the political arena to ensure that the charity’s independence is maintained and that there is no perception that its independence is being adversely affected by the charity’s activities

Full details of the investigation can be found on the Charity Commission’s website.

Ends.

PR 58/10

For further information, please contact the press office

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. The Commission’s assessment cases are dealt with by its Compliance Assessment Unit. More information about the assessment process can be found here: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Our_regulatory_activity/Compliance_work/default.aspx This case was dealt with within the Assessment Unit and the issues resolved by regulatory advice and guidance.
4. More information about the Charity Commission’s Compliance Division can be found in Charities Back on Track, a report on the themes and wider issues arising from the Commission’s compliance work. This can be found on the Commission’s website.