Now's the time to do it online

Commission reminds charities of breadth of online services to avoid postal delays

(Immediate Release - 16 October 2009)

 

The Charity Commission is reminding charities and their trustees of all the services they can access online on the Commission’s website to avoid postal delays. Charities can view or amend their charity details online, complete Annual Returns or Update forms online, as well as send the Commission Trustees' annual reports and accounts.

People interested in setting up a charity can also access all the information they need and apply to register online. The Commission is currently registering charities online in an average of twelve days - half the time of paper applications.

David Locke, Director of Charity Services said;

“More charities than ever are using our online services. It makes much more sense, speeds processes up for charities, and ensures that documents are not delayed in the post. Last year there was a 60 percent increase in use of our online services, with over 75 percent of Annual Return or Update submissions by charities made online. It really is a much more efficient way of working for charities.”

The Commission website also provides a comprehensive set of resources and news for charities concerning the impact of the economic downturn, including the ‘Big Board Talk - 15 questions all charities need to ask’ as well as a comprehensive list of guidance and reports, press releases and information about Commission events and meetings.

For more information go to www.charitycommission.gov.uk

Ends.

For further information on this story please the press office.

Notes to Editors

1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. See www.charitycommission.gov.uk for further information or call our contact centre on 0845 300 0218.

2. In June 2009 The Charity Commission published its ‘Big Board Talk’ - 15 questions all charities need to ask. Go to: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/tcc/ccnews29check.asp

3. From April to September 2009, online applications to register as a charity were processed in an average of 12 days. For the same period, paper applications were processed in an average of 24 days.

4. 98% of the public feel that the role of the Charity Commission is important.
(Ipsos MORI research, May 2008)

5. There are over 4 million visitors a year to the Charity Commission’s website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk

 

PR44/09