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A Parliamentary Committee is holding an inquiry into the Charity Commission.

The Commission is answerable to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Committee,

whose MPs will be questioning the Commission’s Chair and CEO.

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Baroness Stowell [Chair] and Helen Stephenson [CEO] will be questioned about

the Commission’s investigations, strategy, track record and performance.

 

A number of parties have given evidence to the inquiry,

based on their experiences of, and their dealings with, the Commission. 

Those parties include members of the public,

people involved with charities and leading charity sector organisations.

 

Whilst some of the evidence refers to recommendations,

the majority of the evidence relates to material criticisms of how the Commission operates.

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HISTORICAL NOTE

The last time Stowell appeared before the DCMS Committee was in early 2018.  

It was then the Committee’s job to interview her to assess her suitability as the Commission’s new Chair.  

The Committee found her totally unsuitable, for several reasons.  

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However, the then Culture Secretary - Matt Hancock - overuled his DCMS Committee
and appointed Stowell in position.

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Since her appointment as Chair, Stowell has proved to be a controversial figure.

Stowell is regularly accused of being out of touch with reality

and not understanding the sector and those who work within it.

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For many commentators in the sector,

both Stowell's and Stephenson's regular statements and speeches

are judged to do more harm to the public's trust in charities

than they do to promote that trust

as these leaders are meant to