Charity watchdog must act faster and have more bite

Charities do so much good in the world, helping those facing the most difficult of circumstances.

The role of charities has also grown in society over the last decade as they have stepped into the breach when council or government agencies withdraw their involvement.

However, this situation comes with risk. In some cases, well-meaning folk are overwhelmed with the tasks they take on.

They can be unqualified or inexperienced in running organisations that may have budgets running into thousands of pounds.

In those cases, those volunteers need more support and help.

In others, more serious questions need asked of those who have taken on the job of running particular charities.

Childreach International is a case in point. Our investigation today reveals that a string of young Scots students saw thousands of pounds – money they had collected in their communities – vanish when that charity collapsed.

The Charities Commission is now probing potential conflicts of interest between Childreach and the travel company it used to run missions abroad.

It is clear – especially given other recent scandals – that the charity watchdog needs more support to monitor the huge number of good causes in this country.

Too often it steps in only when its too late and when things have already gone wrong.

It is imperative that the watchdog has the right resources to manage its huge workload.

That workload shouldn’t just involve running investigations that deliver punitive action.

After all, people across the country need every confidence that their donations find their way to those who need it most.