Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for the charity sector can be accessed here.
Trustees’/Members’ meetings
The Commission recognises a key issue for charities at this time is how to hold meetings given the current guidance from the Government. It has said where there is no provision in a charity’s governing document to hold meetings digitally, but if the trustees hold their meeting over the phone or using digital solutions “we will understand but you should record this decision and that you have done this to demonstrate good governance of your charity”.
It also states “the Government’s health advice may lead to some charities having no choice but to decide to cancel or postpone their AGMs and other critical meetings”. It goes on to say “if as trustees, you decide it necessary to do so, you should record this decision to demonstrate good governance of your charity. This is particularly important if it is not possible to hold your AGM, which may make it difficult for you to finalise your annual report and accounts”. Where the situation impacts on getting accounts and annual returns to the Commission they say charities with an imminent filing date can call them on 0300 066 9197.
Reporting serious incidents
The Commission has confirmed, “it is ultimately the responsibility of the charity trustees to continue to report serious incidents using our current guidelines, and we will continue to ask trustees to use their judgement in deciding whether an incident is significant in the context of their charity and should be reported to us.”
The Commission’s guidance on reporting serious incidents can be found here.
Filing charity annual returns during the coronavirus pandemic
Any charity that needs an extension to their annual return deadline can contact the Charity Commission to ask for one by calling its contact centre on 0300 066 9197 (open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm). The full note can be found here (updated 26 March).
If you have any queries arising out of the Commission’s guidance or any other matters affecting your charity at this time please feel free to contact Edwina Turner or Esther Campsall.
Our regulatory team are also available to assist in responding to incidents, which may require reporting to the Charity Commission or are subject to investigation by other Regulators. For further advice, please contact Tim Coolican.
We have submitted our response to the White Paper Consultation based on the discussion held at the “Planning for the Future - what does this mean for affordable housing” webinar we held on Fri 9 Oct
Anthony Collins Solicitors is pleased to have been ranked as a Band 1 firm once again.
Since March 2020, commercial property owners and occupiers across many sectors, whether housing associations, charities, care providers or local authorities, have been impacted by the rules regulating how they deal with their tenants and their landlords. It seems each week there is a change in policy, regulation or legislation, governing how they must respond.
A key element of the Bill is the establishment of a duty holder regime and requirement to maintain the ‘golden thread of information’ throughout the life cycle of high-risk residential buildings
We have been working with care homes to update their contracts and advise on the risks of charging the resident a regular “top-up” or additional fee where a resident is funded through NHS CHC
The parliamentary processes are complete and the Restriction of Public Exit Payments Regulations 2020 (“the Regulations”) which cap exit payments in the public sector at £95,000 will be in force from 4 November.
As the UK’s social housing sector recovers from the initial Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown, now is the time to focus on the challenges that may emerge next.
There is no universal approach to regenerating town centres. However, housing must be considered a key part of any regeneration project – providing well-needed new homes and economic growth.
Friday 16 October marks the 6th annual Wear Red Day in England, Wales and Scotland. Wear Red Day is the brainchild of the charity; Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC). SRTRC aims to educate young people so they are equipped to recognise and challenge stereotypes, misconceptions and negative attitudes towards race.
Alongside the Building Safety Bill published in July 2020, the Fire Safety Bill is a key step in the Government’s strategy to improve building and fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy
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