# CFDG responds to Cabinet Office Strategy Unit report

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2002/09/24/cfdg-responds-cabinet-office-strategy-unit-report/
- Published: 2002-09-24T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Charity Finance Directors Group (CFDG) has welcomed the Strategy Unit’s long
delayed report for including “far reaching and radical proposals.”
CFDG Chief Executive,
Shirley Scott said: “We are delighted that the report has finally been published
and that the Cabinet Office have taken note of many of our concerns. Proposals for
the modernising of charity law have been a long time coming and are vital if charities
are to play an active part in society. We are pleased that the Strategy Unit has
made some far reaching and radical proposals and hope that the end result is a more
effective, better resourced and better regulated charity and voluntary sector.

“There is a long way to go but we will push for the legislation relating to charities
and trading and support the proposal for the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Our members will certainly be interested in commenting on the detail of these proposals.

“We are delighted that the Government has recognised the problems of regulation 
and red tape and we welcome the Prime Ministers’ statement that “Excessive red tape
is preventing the sector from fulfilling its potential”.

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“We will be looking for the balance between gaining public confidence and the need
to reduce red tape. Appropriate regulation (including self regulation) helps maintain
public confidence in charities.

Our interest will be focussed on the financial management aspects of the report 
and we look forward to working with the Charity Commission on the next SORP with
regards improved methods for apportioning costs and expenditure. We welcome the 
need for some clarification of the ethical investment strategies which trustees 
are permitted to follow under charity law.”

Ms Scott referred to the CFDG’s document of June 2002, “Charity Management, the 
Way Ahead”, which encouraged charities to maintain and develop a climate of public
trust and confidence through improved communications and through adherence to, and
promotion of, good practice. It also contained the umbrella group’s proposals to
the Strategy Unit.

“We welcome the proposals to reform the Charity Commission. Our response to the 
original Strategy Unit consultation highlighted some concerns about the current 
structure of the Charity Commission. Indeed, the report backs many of our recommendations
from our response to the original Strategy Unit consultation. The report also responds
to many of our points in our ‘Agenda for the future’, published in June.

“On the other recommendations CFDG will be consulting fully with our members to 
gain their full views. Our Public Affairs Committee and Policy Development Working
Group will be meeting on 9th October to help develop our response. In addition, 
CFDG will be hosting members meetings in London and

regionally to discuss the report and our response.”

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