A report released by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) gives an overview of the compliance activity undertaken by the ACNC in its first year as the national charity regulator.

ACNC Commissioner, Susan Pascoe says the regulator has been actively working to protect public trust and confidence in charities through its regulatory function.

“We respond to concerns raised about charities and undertake intelligence gathering and investigations, when appropriate.

“When wrongdoing occurs, it is often not just a financial loss that damages the charity. The impact on its reputation and the effects on staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and board members are also damaging.

“This is why we handle compliance sensitively and in line with our regulatory approach,” says Pascoe.

The report includes de-identified case studies and lessons for other charities facing compliance issues.