Charity Commission: What It Does & How to Report a Charity

The Charity Commission is the official regulator of charities in England and Wales, responsible for ensuring that charities operate legally, ethically, and for the public benefit. Whether you are a donor, volunteer, trustee, or concerned citizen, understanding the Commission’s role is essential.

This guide covers:

• What the Charity Commission does
• How to contact the Charity Commission
• How to report a charity
• How to make a complaint
• When the Charity Commission was established

Official links to government resources are included to help you take action.

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What Is the Charity Commission?

The Charity Commission for England and Wales is a non-ministerial government department that oversees charities and ensures they act in the public’s best interest. The Commission protects donors, beneficiaries, and the public by enforcing compliance with charity law.

Key responsibilities include:

• Registering new charities
• Investigating charity misconduct
• Ensuring compliance with charity law
• Providing guidance to trustees
• Protecting charitable assets

Useful links:

• Apply to register a charity
• Read charity law guidance
• Check investigation reports

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When Was the Charity Commission Established?

The Charity Commission was founded in 1853 under the Charitable Trusts Act. It was created to regulate charities, prevent fraud, and protect the public interest. Over the years, its role has expanded to include modern governance, compliance, and financial oversight.

Useful links:

History of the Charity Commission

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How to Contact the Charity Commission

The Charity Commission can be contacted through various methods depending on the nature of your enquiry.

Website: Charity Commission
Helpline: 0300 066 9197 (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm)
Postal address:
Charity Commission for England and Wales
PO Box 211
Bootle
L20 7YX

For faster responses, use the online contact form.

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How to Report a Charity to the Charity Commission

If you believe a charity is involved in misconduct, such as fraud, financial mismanagement, or unethical behaviour, you can report it to the Charity Commission.

Common reasons to report a charity include:

• Misuse of funds
• Fraud or criminal activity
• Trustees acting dishonestly
• Serious governance failures

Steps to report a charity:

1. Gather evidence such as financial irregularities, communications, or any supporting documents.
2. Check if the organisation is listed on the Charity Register.
3. Submit a report using the official reporting tool.
4. Provide detailed information to help with the investigation.

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How to Make a Complaint About a Charity

If you are unhappy with how a charity operates, a formal complaint can be made. However, before escalating the issue, it is advisable to try and resolve it directly with the charity.

Situations that may require a formal complaint include:

• The charity’s actions affecting public trust
• Legal breaches by the charity
• Mismanagement of donations
• Trustees failing to fulfil their duties

Steps to make a complaint:

1. Contact the charity directly and check if they have a complaints procedure. Use the Charity Register to find their contact details.
2. Follow the charity’s internal complaints process.
3. If unresolved, submit a complaint through the Charity Commission’s complaints portal.

Useful links:

• How to complain about a charity
• The essential trustee guide

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Final Thoughts

The Charity Commission plays an essential role in protecting charities, donors, and the public. Whether you are a trustee, volunteer, or donor, it is important to understand how charities should operate and how to report concerns when necessary.

For more charity insights, visit The Charity Champion.