Assembly and Charity Commission forge strong links

(Immediate Release - 13 June 2008)

 An event at the Assembly highlighted the vital role of Welsh charities and brought together over 20 AMs, Ministers and the Chair and senior staff of the Charity Commission. This event marked a big step towards forging stronger links to maximise the impact of charities across Wales.  Recognition of the importance of supporting trustees and the importance of partnership were key themes of the lively discussion between members of the Welsh Assembly and the Charity Commission. 

Dr Brian Gibbons Minister for Social Justice and Local Government said; “In Wales our third sector plays a vital role, with over 50% of adults involved in some way with charitable activities.  The Charity Commission is a great resource on our doorstep and I know the support it provides to potential trustees is very reassuring.”

Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission, praised the achievements of the Welsh voluntary sector - “I’m impressed by how close and engaged the relationship is between the Assembly Government and the Voluntary Sector here in Wales and I’m especially encouraged by the extensive partnership work that goes on.”

 She added; “The Charity Commission is an outward looking organisation and this is the theme that runs right through our work in Wales. In carrying out that work, I would really like to emphasise our enabling and supportive approach. We know that most charities are small organisations run by devoted, dedicated volunteers. Our aim is to help them to do what they feel is best for their charities and for their beneficiaries.”

The event was hosted by Janice Gregory, AM for Ogmore and Chair of the Assembly’s Culture and Communities Committee which has recently reported on voluntary sector funding in Wales. Janice talked about her experience of the voluntary sector in Wales and said how pleased she was to introduce her colleagues in the Assembly to the Charity Commission.

Assembly members were able to raise issues from their constituencies and discuss the new Charities Act with staff from the Commission’s Wales office.   They commented on the success of the event and said they had valued the opportunity to engage with the Commission at a senior level, including Head of the Wales office Harry Iles.  The Commission’s Wales office, based in Newport, since 2004, has established a reputation for being open and engaged with the sector through its work regulating and advising over 11,000 registered and unregistered charities in Wales.

More information about registered charities as well as guidance can be found at its website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

Ends.

Notes to Editors

1. Photos available of the event of (l-r) Janice Gregory AM, Chair of the Assembly’s Culture and Communities Committee, Dr Brian Gibbons, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government and Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission.
2. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator for charitable activity in England and Wales. See www.charitycommission.gov.uk for further information or call our contact centre on 0845 300 0218.
   

For further information please contact:

Sarah Miller, 0207 674 2366

PR 20/08