Scottish charities are being urged to participate in the new consultation from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act requires the regulator to consult on a number of key issues, including the proposed Public Benefit test. As a result, OSCR has organised a comprehensive consultation programme which includes a series of published documents and regional events.

Issues to be considered during the consultation include the establishment of an accurate charity register, guidance on how to meet the public benefit test, and new powers relating to consents and notifications. The results of the process will be considered by the new OSCR board which will issue initial guidance before the regulator takes on its new functions, expected in April 2006.

Jane Ryder, chief executive of OSCR, says: “This is a crucial time in the development of new regulation for charities in Scotland. It is vital that as many people as possible are involved in shaping that regulation. This is a very real chance for everyone involved with the sector to have their say and ensure that as a regulator we continue to be consistent, fair and proportionate.”