Charity Commission consults on impact of online strategy

The Charity Commission is seeking views on the Equality Impact Assessment it conducted into the potential impact of having all of its services online, which is part of the Commission’s efficiency savings measures. A consultation document has been published on the charity regulator’s website.

The asessment found there to be no negative impacts in terms of gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or on carers. However, it did find that there were possible issues with regards to English not being a first language, or communication difficulties relating to disability or age and also identified issues around access to the internet.

The consultation asks for views on its assessment and whether it has missed any other impact or factors.

The Commission has been developing its online services and the number of charities taking advantage of these is growing. By providing more services online the Commission can respond more efficiently and quickly to requests. Registration applications filled in online take less than half the time to complete and approve than those sent in by post. The Commission already offers a number of online services for trustees, such as being able to view and update their charity’s information - including email address, complete annual returns or update forms, upload annual accounts and change trustee details without having to phone or send details in the post.

The Commission’s Equality Impact Assessment and the consultation document are available on the Charity Commission website. The Commission will accept responses up to 29th October.