Better Regulation in the Third Sector
The third sector is affected by the same regulation as other businesses and employers, as well as specific regulatory requirements for charity.
What is the third sector?
The third sector is a broad term used to describe a category of organisations that are not public or private sector in nature. The sector includes not for profit businesses (social enterprises), charities, community and voluntary organisations, housing associations, cooperatives and mutuals.
Addressing regulatory burdens affecting the third sector
Government addresses burdens on the third sector in the same way as with the private sector sectors by simplifying legislation, reducing the ‘stock’ of regulation and monitoring the ‘flow’ of Government regulation across the sector to maintain burdens at a minimum and encourage economic activity.
The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) plays the lead role across Government as the sector champion and in doing so is responsible for promoting the conditions for success for the sector. Within this role the OTS is responsible for charity-specific legislation and the overall legal framework for organisations in this sector. It works to ensure a good regulatory environment for the sector, such as overseeing the implementation of the Charities Act 2006.
Role of the Charity Commission
The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the regulator and registrar of charities in England and Wales. It aims to provide regulation that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of charities, and inspire public confidence in them.
Charities Act
Central to the Government’s work has been the Charities Act 2006. This modernises the legal and regulatory framework for charities and includes a number of deregulatory measures, particularly for smaller charities.
Have your say!
If you have any suggestions on how to reduce regulatory burdens and make life easier for third sector organisations, please submit them at Better Regulation.
You can also see examples of how the third sector is benefiting from ideas the Government has already put into practice.
