This is our landing page for all things related to changes to charity rules that came into force in 2018 that affect people with criminal records and what roles they can be involved in. These have come about because of the implementation of section 9 of the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016.
On this page you will find:
- latest news
- useful resources
- timescales for the changes
Latest news
February 2020 – Unlock raises concerns as Charity Commission grants just six criminal conviction waivers
May 2019 – Appointing a trustee with a criminal record: reflections of a successful applicant and charity
September 2018 – Guidance for charities on changes to the rules on recruiting trustees and senior managers with criminal records
1st August 2018 – New charity rules that impact on people with convictions come into force today
1st February 2018 – New guidance and tools published to help charities and individuals deal with changes to charity rules and criminal records
You can also read older news posts on this website, our information site for individuals and our website for employers.
Useful resources
- Our guidance for charities – Leading charities with conviction
- Our guidance for individuals – Leading charities with conviction
- Organise a workshop to help raise awareness amongst charities, trustees and senior managers
- Details of the policy work we’ve been doing on the changes to the rules
- “Do the charity disqualification rules affect me?” – Online tool
- “Can I work in a charity with my criminal record” – Flowchart on the automatic disqualification rules
Timescales for the changes
- January 2018 – Charity Commission publishes guidance on disqualification rules
- 1st February 2018 – ‘Advance waiver’ opens. Any individual that applies for a waiver before 1st August 2018 is protected from impact of changes on 1st August until a decision has been made on their application (including any appeal). Unlock publishes guidance for charities and individuals.
- February to July 2018 – Charities should follow the steps in our guidance for charities. Individuals should apply for a waiver if they will be disqualified by 1st August 2018.
- 1st August 2018 – New rules in force. Rules apply to all existing and new trustees and senior manager positions. Our updated guidance for charities and individuals published.
