The call forms part of the organisation’s response to the Scottish Executive’s consultation on the draft Charities and Trustees (Scotland) Bill.

Although the SCVO welcomes the requirement for a public benefit test, it believes that more clarity is needed as to exactly what a charity is.

Lucy McTernan, corporate affairs director at SCVO said: “We are convinced that without the inclusion of clear criteria of what public benefit entails, the legislation will perpetuate the existing confusion amongst the public as to what constitutes a charity. We have devised a set of clear criteria under which public benefit could be judged.”

The criteria list what SCVO believe to be the four defining characteristics of a charity, which are: charities are not-for-profit; have volunteer leadership; are independent; and provide public benefit.

McTernan continued by saying: “We acknowledge that recent ‘charity scandals’ have damaged the image of the sector and effective measures were needed to restore it. SCVO believes its proposed amendments will further strengthen this legislation.”

In England and Wales meanwhile, the NCVO have opposed any definition of public benefit within the Draft Charities Bill.

The consultation period for Scotland ends on 25 August.