Charity regulator’s ability to undertake substantial investigations ‘constrained’

JERSEY’S charity regulator has warned that major investigations and rising demand could stretch his small office – with proposed government funding leaving limited room to take on additional work.

Charity Commissioner Richard Jouault said he was only “cautiously confident” that core services could be maintained under the proposed government Budget for 2027–2030.

But in a submission to the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, he warned that the office’s ability to undertake substantial investigations, respond to significant increases in demand or improve services could remain constrained.

The regulator maintains Jersey’s Charities Register, assesses applications for registration, monitors compliance and considers public complaints, undertaking investigations where appropriate.

Mr Jouault said its workload had grown alongside the Island’s charitable sector and increasing public expectations of transparency, accountability and regulatory oversight.

“While the proposed funding should enable the continuation of core services, the ability to respond to significant increases in demand, undertake substantial investigations, or progress further service improvements may remain constrained,” he said.

“As with many regulatory bodies, sustained pressures on resources can affect response times and the pace at which discretionary projects and enhancements can be delivered.”

The commissioner said his office had limited control over how much work it received, including registration applications, annual returns, compliance enquiries, complaints and requests for guidance.

That meant its staffing and funding needs were driven largely by charities and the public, rather than services it could choose whether to provide.

Although he expressed cautious confidence about maintaining essential services, he stressed that this came with an “important qualification” about workloads fluctuating significantly.

“In particular, major investigations, complex registration applications, litigation, or increases in regulatory activity can place substantial pressure on a small organisation with limited flexibility to absorb additional work,” he said.

The office has held discussions with the government’s chief executive and Cabinet Office officials during preparations for the Budget, focusing on securing enough funding to fulfil its legal responsibilities.

Mr Jouault said savings had already been achieved through greater use of digital systems, simpler registration and annual-return procedures, published guidance to reduce routine enquiries, and careful management of staffing and external professional costs.

However, he warned: “Given the relatively small size of the organisation, opportunities for further savings are limited without affecting service delivery or the Commissioner’s ability to fulfil statutory obligations.”

The submission also confirmed periodic discussions with government about the regulator’s role.

Mr Jouault said any substantial changes to its powers or functions would require consideration of legislation and policy, while preserving its independence.