Correspondence

Charity Commission News: July 2025

Updated 22 July 2025

Applies to England and Wales

New insights into trustee motivations and skills

New research from the Charity Commission and Pro Bono Economics shows the vast majority of trustees are “immensely positive” about their experience, with 8 in 10 trustees likely to recommend the role to others.

Over half of young trustees said trusteeship supported their career development, while older trustees said it gave them the opportunity to give back. The research suggests movement towards gender parity on trustee boards, with 43% of trustees now female compared to 36% in 2017.

Findings suggest some boards could benefit from more people with certain skills including legal, finance, anti-fraud measures and marketing.

This is the most comprehensive survey ever undertaken of trustee motivations and skills. Building a better picture of the experience of trustees helps the Commission, policy makers and the sector better understand the skills, motivations and backgrounds of existing trustees, and engage the broadest possible pool of trustee talent.

Read the full findings of our research into trusteeship and the trustee population

Updated guidance to help you find new trustees

Did you know that only 6% of trustees found their role through an advertisement?

We’ve refreshed our guidance following the trustee research above that showed the majority of charities depend on their trustees’ personal networks when filling board vacancies.

Explore our updated guidance for practical advice on accessing a wider pool of candidates, including effective advertising strategies and techniques to encourage potential applicants, expand your reach and help you secure valuable new talent for your board.

Read our updated guidance on finding and appointing new trustees

The new charity accounting framework – next steps

The consultation into the development of the new Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) has now closed. 

The SORP-making body – made up of the Charity Commission England and Wales, the Office for the Scottish Charity Regulator and the Charity Commission Northern Ireland – would like to thank all those that responded.

We have received over 140 stakeholder responses. These are now being analysed to inform the final version of the new SORP, which we aim to publish in October 2025.

The new SORP will start, for those charities that apply it, in financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2026.  

In the meantime, we are urging those charities to get ready for the changes that have been introduced by the Financial Reporting Council in relation to lease accounting and revenue recognition.

For more detail on how to prepare please refer to the SoRP guidance

New facts revealed about the sector and public trust

The Charity Commission last week released two new reports, offering insights into the sector and the changing landscape it faces.

1. Our annual public research showed that against a challenging backdrop, public confidence in charitable spending has increased and trust in charities remains high. Almost 60% of people reported having high trust – placing charities second only to doctors. The research also offers insights into the factors that underpin public trust, about levels of public demand for charitable services, and into charitable giving habits over time.

2. New insights from annual returns, which are sent to the Commission by most charities, suggest that charities have been able to direct additional resources to delivering their aims, amidst a tightening financial squeeze. Our analysis of the most recent full year of annual returns forms the most comprehensive dataset available on the sector, enabling us to identify sector risks and trends and allowing policymakers, sector groups and the public to gain a richer understanding of the charity sector in England and Wales.

Seeking your views on partnerships in response to emergencies

The Government is seeking the views of all charities who provide support, co-ordination and care for those affected by emergencies. The consultation focuses on potential new duties for ‘Category 1 responders’ (such as the emergency services and local authorities) to consult with voluntary, community and faith-based organisations on local emergency planning. It has been launched following an inquiry into the tragedy at Grenfell Tower and will help strengthen future emergency preparedness and response. Closing date to share your views is Tuesday 16th September.

Read and respond to the Strengthening Partnerships Consultation

Save the date: Trustees’ Week 2025

Trustees’ Week is an annual event to showcase the great work of trustees and to provide opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a difference.

This year it will take place from 3 – 7 November. 

Throughout the week you’ll have the chance to connect with other trustees to share your experiences. You’ll also be able to develop your skills through a wide range of events, training and guidance.

Details of the event timetable and how to sign up will be shared closer to the date.