As reported in previous updates, the International Programme of the Charity Commission is developing a range of tools to help regulators work more effectively. The NGO Sector Assessment Tool will be piloted in the Philippines in January. The Tool will help interested parties map their NGO sector and assess the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in which it operates. Meanwhile, the Regulator Handbook will also soon be tested in Pakistan. The Handbook will be a training manual in NGO regulation for government officials. Watch this space for more details on both projects.
For the past 400 years, the law has been presumed that all educational, religious and welfare organisations in England and Wales are public benefit organisations. This changed with the Charities Act 2006, which now asks these organisations to demonstrate that they are public benefit like every other charity. The Charity Commission has been consulting the public on what 'public benefit' should mean in relation to these charities, with much focus on the issue of fee charging. Details can be found on the Charity Commission’s website.
The publication of a report by the Advisory Group on Campaigning and the Voluntary Sector has started a debate on politics and campaigning by charities in the UK. Under existing law, political activities are permitted by charities, but they must not be the main way in which they achieve their purpose. However, many charities feel that the guidance is vague and as a result are inhibited in how freely they can campaign. The report argues that several areas of the law should be relaxed. Meanwhile, the Charity Commission has encouraged charities to be bolder in their campaigning and announced plans to clarify its guidance on this issue.
The Charity Commission is in the process of refining and strengthening its risk-based approach to regulation. A discussion paper sets out the enhanced approach it will apply in its compliance work. This does not represent a change in policy, but publicly introduces a model of what the Commission considers to be the areas of greatest risk for charities, where it will target its resources, and how it will ensure that any action it takes is appropriate and proportionate.
The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and Cordaid have announced a prize competition to encourage scholarship on the legal and political environment, with a focus on civil liberties. The winner of the ICNL-Cordaid Civil Liberties Prize will receive US$5,000. Two Distinguished Research Awards of US$5,000 each will also be awarded. In addition, selected manuscripts will be published in ICNL's online International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law. Scholarship from all regions are welcome. The deadline for submission is January 31st 2008.
The particular challenges facing Islamic NGOs in recent years have been well documented. This is one of the many topics looked at by ISIM, the International Institute for the Study of Islam in the Modern World. ISIM was established in 1998 by four Dutch universities to conduct and promote interdisciplinary research on social, cultural and intellectual trends and movements in contemporary Muslim societies and communities.
Finally, as we prepare to take a well-earned break over the holiday period, we would like to send our best wishes to all our partners, contacts and friends worldwide and wish them Merry Christmas, Eid Mubarak and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. See you in 2008!