The Charities Act 2006 received Royal Assent in November 2006. It aims to:
- make life simpler for charity trustees,
- modernise the definition of charity and underline the requirement that all charities must deliver public benefit and
- strengthen the charity sector's accountability and transparency.
The Act extends to England and Wales only, except for the purposes of a small number of amendments to other statutes and for two substantive provisions. The Act's provisions are being brought into force from early 2007.
Text and explanatory notes
The text of the Charities Act 2006 and explanatory notes are available on the Office of Public Sector and Information (OPSI) website.
Background to the Act and implementation plan
The Office of the Third Sector website within the Cabinet Office provides information on the background to the Act and its implementation plan.
Government guidance
The Office of the Third Sector and Charity Commission jointly produced a plain English guide to the Charities Act 2006, aimed primarily at charities with an income below £500,000. It explains the main provisions of the Act, and where you can go for further information or guidance on specific provisions.
CIPD guides
Members can read our introductory guide to public benefit and its impact on charities following the implementation of the Charities Act 2006.
We have also published an introductory guide to the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees and their induction and training.
Useful websites
Charity Commission
Provides information and guidance on the Charities Act and its provisions, including those covering public benefit.
- Go to Charity Commission website