Charity Commission Statutory Inquiries - Lessons from Recent Cases

Introduction

When serious concerns arise about a charity’s governance, administration or activities, the Charity Commission for England and Wales may decide to open a statutory inquiry. While this is a significant regulatory step, it gives the Commission access to a wide range of powers to investigate concerns and take action where necessary.

Between September 2024 and June 2026, the Commission published 19 statutory inquiry reports, providing valuable insight into the circumstances that can trigger an inquiry, the exercise of its regulatory powers and the potential consequences for charities and their trustees.

This virtual classroom seminar will examine key lessons from these recent cases, exploring the Commission’s approach to statutory inquiries, the legal obligations of those involved in charity governance and the options available to challenge regulatory decisions. It will help advisers and charities understand the risks, respond effectively to regulatory intervention and learn from the issues identified in recent inquiries.

The session is aimed at charity lawyers and other professional advisers involved in advising charities on governance, regulatory compliance and investigations by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• The circumstances that have led the Commission to open statutory inquiries in recent cases
• The Commission’s legal obligations when conducting a statutory inquiry
• The investigatory and regulatory powers available to the Commission
• The legal duties and obligations of trustees, officers, agents and others
• The regulatory actions taken during and at the conclusion of recent inquiries
• Challenging the Commission’s actions and proposed regulatory interventions
• Common themes and recurring issues emerging from recent inquiry reports
• The potential outcomes for charities following a statutory inquiry
• Practical lessons for charities and their professional advisers

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.