Trust in charities is vital

The Times - letters page

15 April 2008

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A recent report from nfpSynergy found that in 2007 only 42 per cent of people trusted charities (Public trust in charities plummets, April 1).

However the Eurobaro-meter survey, carried out by the European Union, put UK trust in charities at 74 per cent just a year-and-a half earlier. Such a large drop in such a short time is highly unlikely and suggests that more work is needed to understand the real level of UK trust in charities.

The wider point is that trust is absolutely vital for a sector that relies on people giving their time and money to help their cause. Whatever the present levels of trust, the more that can be done to increase it, the healthier the sector.

Given the current backdrop of declining public confidence in all social institutions, it would be surprising if charities were not also affected by this broader trend.

Many charities recognise this and are looking more closely at how they can demonstrate their impact. At the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) we are helping them to develop the tools and skills they need to do that.

Oliver Reichardt, research officer, NCVO

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