Informing rural communities
Rural Community Network recently hosted a very successful workshop which connected rural community groups with the Charities Commission. The intention of the workshop was to increase the knowledge within rural communities on the work of the Charities Commission and how this work will impact on the community development and charitable activities of rural groups.
With attendance of five Commissioners, representatives of rural groups were informed how the proposed new legislation will make a difference to the way community and voluntary groups will do their business in the future. Although this new legislation will result in additional governance requirements for many groups, this will not mean a major change in what groups are doing but will, in many cases, give them added protection and assurance that they are indeed meeting many of their core objectives as set out in their constitutions.
Commenting on the event, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Community Network, Michael Hughes, said 'Both the attendance and active participation of the Commissioners and Commission staff at the workshop were critical in making the event so successful. Having a range of representatives from a range of rural community and voluntary organisations, many of which had wider membership, should enhance the message that the new legislation will be there to protect and support genuine charities and, as such, should be embraced by the sector.' Michael continued 'This is additional group governance that has long been required and asked for by the sector and this event has assured all who attended that our work at the community level can be further enhanced by the Charity Commission.'
One participant at the event said 'This event was invaluable, with clear information from the Charity Commissioners and direct answers to the questions asked. This was an exceptionally well planned and presented event that will allow me to guide my group on the way forward.'