Scottish Government seeks views on charity regulation review

Scottish Government has launched a 12-week consultation to gather views on whether current charity regulation needs to be reviewed.

As 2025 marks 20 years since the first Scottish charities Act was passed by Parliament, Scottish Government is considering whether regulation is still working for everyone by asking the charity sector if change is needed.

Looking to hear from the organisations, networks and people that make up the 25,000 charities currently registered in Scotland, the consultation is comprised of 10 short questions which explore the need for a review, as well as what the purpose and parameters of a future review should be.

Those interested in learning more about the consultation, will have the opportunity to attend a webinar hosted by the Scottish Government on Wednesday 26 June (3-4pm) which will provide further information on the questions and allow space for a discussion on the issue. To sign up for the webinar, please email charityreview@gov.scot

Scottish Government’s Charity Law Team Leader, Caroline Monk says:

“Next year will be 20 years since the Scottish Parliament passed the first Scottish charities Act, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. That year saw the then Prince Charles’ marriage to Camila Parker-Bowles, Angela Merkel becoming the first female Chancellor of Germany and Pope John-Paul II’s death. A lot has changed since then. So, we’re asking you if charity regulation in Scotland needs to change as well.

“We know that finding the time and the energy to respond to consultations can be challenging but we hope that by including some quick questions, more people will be able to respond.”

Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive, Dr Judith Turbyne says:

“A lot of our members, and many other organisations working with and for children and young people across Scotland are charities. Even if your organisation is not a charity, you may well work closely with one. Although the regulation of charities might not seem like the most exciting topic, it is fundamental to the way charities operate so should be of interest to us all.”

The consultation is open until midnight on 22 July 2024 and responses will help the Scottish Government to decide the next steps in its commitment to strengthening charity law.

Click here to find out more and read a short consultation paper.

Click here to share your views and complete the consultation.