The Charity Commission’s International Programme

Since 2002 the International Programme has been working with civil society and government bodies in countries across the world to contribute to the development of healthy, accountable and independent NGO (non-governmental organisation) sectors worldwide. We currently have projects in the Gulf, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and South East Asia, and we have worked with over 40 countries to date. Our work involves sharing best practice ideas on effective NGO regulation and providing technical assistance.

We also manage a website http://www.ngoregnet.org/ which is designed to help people, organisations and governments find out more about the regulation of NGOs. It acts as a gateway to information on developments around the world. To gain a detail understanding of the work we do and for information about regulation in the countries we work in, please visit this website.

Our Vision:

An environment which maximizes the contribution NGOs can make to improve people’s lives across the world.

Our Mission:

To contribute to the development of healthy, accountable and independent NGO sectors worldwide.

Our activities, include:

Undertaking assessment exercises designed to identify areas for improvement in current NGO legislation and regulator practice.
Reviewing the role, structure, resources and planning capabilities of regulators, aimed at strengthening the delivery of effective regulation.
Providing in-country training for senior regulatory officials designed to cover the key components of effective regulation.
Offering In-depth assistance in areas of regulation such as Information Technology and Communications, and in skills such as Training of Trainers.
Assisting the development of effective laws and an enabling environment for NGOs.
Developing of Codes of Conduct for both NGOs and regulators; advice on self regulation within the sector.
Facilitating consultation between government and NGO sectors.
Hosting regional workshops.
Hosting visits to the Charity Commission to exchange best practices ideas on the regulation of NGOs.

Why is effective regulation of NGOs important?

A healthy NGO sector has significant social and economic value to a country. NGOs often provide links to local or overseas communities that governments do not have, and they can have an important role in meeting basic needs and providing basic services to society such as health and education.

Effective regulation enhances the contribution NGOs can make in a country by promoting good governance and accountability within the NGO sector and consequently public confidence and trust in NGOs’ work. Effective regulation promotes a healthy NGO sector, and achieves a balance - minimising the risk of misuse without stopping the legitimate charitable work of the vast majority of NGOs.

The International Programme Team

Nigel Tarling
Head of the International Programme
Email

Phil Cooper
Regional Manager for South Asia
Email

Robin MacGregor
Regional Manager for Gulf, Middle East and North Africa
Email

Sarah Jane Digby
Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa
Email

Ben Evans
Regional Manager for South East Asia and Pacific
Email