Isle of Man charities asked for feedback on rules changes

The 2020 changes saw Manx charity rules modernised

Changes made to modernise the running of charities on the Isle of Man came as a "culture shock" for some, a third sector group has said.

Stricter governance rules were introduced and the Attorney General's Chambers was appointed as the regulator of the sector in 2020.

The body is now seeking feedback on the changes in a series of workshops.

David Gawne from the island's Council of Voluntary Organisations said the changes had led to "some tensions".

The new rules were "very necessary", but had increased the "bureaucratic burden" on some, he said.

There are currently 655 registered charities on the Isle of Man.

'A burden'

The Attorney General's Chambers, which is also responsible for registering charities, has organised workshops for the third sector to share its experience of the revised regulations throughout November.

The rules were approved by Tynwald in 2019 to ensure Manx charities were regulated effectively and had the right governance arrangements in place.

Attorney General Walter Wannenburgh said the requirements could "place a burden on those volunteering their time".

"We are working with organisations to ensure compliance, further strengthen, and sustain the important work and contribution of charities," he said.

Mr Gawne said smaller "kitchen table" charities had struggled with the costs of requirements for thing like external audits.

Others organisations who were also registered as companies had difficulties fulfilling "two sets of requirements", he said.

The regulator should consider a "lighter touch" where appropriate in future, Mr Gawne added.

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