Guidance on the purpose, which is said to complement the Government’s initiatives to build the sector’s capacity through its Changeup programme, is available from the commission’s website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications

Announcing the guidance, head of charitable status policy Joanne Edwardes said: “The voluntary sector is an important part of today’s economy and adds immense value to the community as a whole.”

Examples of organisations that might be recognised as charities under the new guidance, according to the commission, include:

• local resource bodies co-ordinating black and minority ethnic or lesbian and gay voluntary organisations;
• organisations that address needs in the voluntary sector; and
• organisations providing database of information about charities.