A precious treasure: sustaining charities, building communities and protecting public trust

And thank you again for being here with us – whether in person or online – at what is a very special occasion for the Commission.

I am deeply grateful to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, for her time with us today and for the huge amount she has done, and continues to do, for and with charities here at home and around the world.

Whether in founding the Carers Trust, in her tireless advocacy for the work of Save the Children or her active patronage of a huge number of organisations, her work has recognised the unique power of charities to bring people together and achieve positive change.

Her Royal Highness has had to leave for her next engagement, but on behalf of the board of the Charity Commission, its leadership and staff, I thank her for her time and contribution to our event today.

Role of charities in creating economic growth and strong communities

Today, I want to make three connected points:

In the context of royalty, I feel tempted to begin by saying that charities are the jewel in the crown of our society.

It is in one sense a fitting tribute. Charities reflect and channel much of what is valuable and admirable across the UK.

But ultimately, the analogy undersells the role and contribution of charities

Because charities are not an adornment where there is already wealth, stability, strength. They are, in fact, among the ingredients from which the very gold of our society is forged. 

I believe firmly that charities are essential for growth, of community and wellbeing. They are a prerequisite, not a happy by-product.

Not only because charities help take the edge off want and precarity.