Asked by: Sarah Jones (Labour - Croydon West)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure there are protections for workers from sexual harassment at charity galas and fundraising events.
Answered by Tracey Crouch
Sexual harassment is completely unacceptable and has no place in the name of charity or charitable fundraising.
Charities have a duty to fundraise responsibly and in line with their values. Charity trustees must also consider the well-being and protection of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries – not just those they are there to help. The Charity Commission, the independent registrar and regulator of charities in England and Wales, is assessing and dealing with the allegations that have been raised regarding the Presidents Club Charitable Trust as a matter of urgency. It has said that it will deal robustly with any misconduct or mismanagement it finds, and will consider what further regulatory action may be required.
The Code of Fundraising Practice sets out the standards expected of all charitable fundraising organisations across the UK, requiring their fundraising to be “….open, honest and respectful”. The Code is regulated by the independent Fundraising Regulator, which has said it will consider any case where it appears an organisation has failed to meet these principles.
The Fundraising Regulator has assessed the allegations regarding the President’s Club charity dinner. The Fundraising Regulator has written to the charity setting out its regulatory role and seeking further information about the charity dinner and how the charity carries out its fundraising
Asked by: Sarah Jones (Labour - Croydon West)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to promote women's leadership in the charity and non-profit sector.
Answered by Tracey Crouch
Strong leadership is essential to a healthy charity and non-profit sector. Part of building strong leadership is ensuring that there are opportunities for those with the right talent, skills and knowledge to take on leadership roles, regardless of gender.
Government is not currently taking an active role in promoting women’s leadership in the charity sector. However, in preparation for the upcoming Civil Society Strategy, we will be exploring the range of challenges and opportunities that face charities, including on the subject of leadership. Government is interested in hearing a broad range of views, and will use the responses to help shape support for the charity sector in the years ahead.