Last Updated on 03/03/2026
The Charity Commission is the regulator of charities in England and Wales. It is an independent, non‑ministerial government department accountable directly to Parliament. As registrar, the Commission maintains an accurate and up‑to‑date register of charities and is responsible for deciding which organisations meet the legal definition of a charity and should therefore be registered. It also removes organisations from the register if they are no longer charitable, no longer active, or no longer operating.
The Commission exists to ensure that charity can thrive and inspire public trust, enabling people and organisations to improve lives and strengthen society.
Purpose and Strategic Objectives
The Charity Commission’s purpose underpins everything it does and shapes how it carries out its regulatory work. Its five strategic objectives are:
- Holding charities to account
- Dealing with wrongdoing and harm
- Informing public choice
- Giving charities the understanding and tools they need to succeed
- Keeping charity relevant for today’s world
The Charity Register
All registered charities are listed on the Charity Commission Register. The register provides publicly accessible information, including:
- Charity name and registration details
- Activities and charitable objectives
- Area(s) of operation
- Names of Trustees
- Annual reports and accounts
- Contact information
- Financial summaries
The register exists to promote transparency, support public confidence, and ensure the accountability of the charitable sector.
Full details about the work of The Charity Commission for England & Wales can be viewed on their website.
