OSCR

Many people contact OSCR with concerns about charities, but not every issue falls within our remit. Our role is to ensure charities comply with charity law, protect charitable assets and maintain public trust and confidence in charities.

Our latest article explains what OSCR can and cannot investigate, helping you understand when and how to raise concerns about a charity in Scotland.

Read more 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/concerns-about-charities-what-oscr-can-deal-with/

Good financial record keeping is essential for every charity.

We've published a new 'lessons learned' report, drawing on findings from OSCR's regulatory work to highlight common issues that can arise when accounting records are incomplete, inaccessible or not properly maintained. The report also shares practical lessons to help trustees meet their legal duties and safeguard charitable funds.

Read the report and find out more 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/learning-from-oscr-s-inquiries-new-report-published-on-good-financial-record-keeping-for-charities/

As part of Trustees' Week 2026, we're hosting two free webinars designed to support both new and experienced trustees in understanding their role and strengthening charity governance.

Join us for:

✍️ Being a Charity Trustee: The Basics (Tuesday 10 November 2026, 12-1pm)
💡 Beyond the Basics: Understanding Board Dynamics (Thursday 12 November 2026, 12-1pm)

Find out more and sign up for your free place now 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/trustees-week-2026-join-our-free-charity-trustee-webinars/

We've launched a new search tool on the OSCR website to help you find the information you need more quickly and easily.

The tool allows you to ask questions in your own words, rather than searching using keywords. It then generates a response based on relevant content published on the OSCR website.

Alongside its answer, the tool also highlights related pages and guidance from our website. This allows you to view the source information and read the full guidance for more detail.

Try it out now 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/new-search-tool-launched-on-the-oscr-website/

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is looking for an experienced and committed individual to lead our Board.

As Chair, you’ll play a key role in guiding our strategic direction, ensuring strong governance, and representing OSCR with stakeholders across Scotland’s charity sector.

If you want to make a meaningful contribution and help support a trusted, well‑run charity sector, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more and apply 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/we-re-recruiting-for-a-new-chair-of-the-board/

We have just published our Corporate Strategy for the period 2026-29. The strategy sets out how we will regulate and support charities to deliver the services the people of Scotland need.

The strategy contains our four main strategic themes for the next three years:

✅ Driving compliance through proportionate and effective regulation
✅ Supporting the development of a resilient, effective and trusted charity sector through regulation
✅ Continuing to drive efficiency as a public body
✅ Supporting our people

Read the Corporate Strategy and accompanying Business Plan here 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/oscr-s-corporate-strategy-2026-29/

The OSCR website is currently down for maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Gathering is back this year on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February 2026 at the EICC and we're looking forward to hosting a session as part of the exciting programme of events! SCVO

Join OSCR for:

ℹ️ Charity law in transition: key legislative updates and what they mean for you
📅 Wednesday 11 February 2026
🕒 13.30 to 14.30
📍 EICC (Sidlaw Auditorium)
🎟️ Book now: https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/oscr-at-the-gathering-2026/

We’ve just published our Annual Report & Accounts for 2024-25, providing a detailed look at our work over the past year and how we continue to support Scotland’s charity sector.

This year’s report highlights some of our key achievements, including:

✅ Using our enhanced regulatory powers to ensure charities meet their obligations
✅ Our commitment to increased transparency and accountability
✅ Engaging with the sector on important charity law changes
✅ Asset reinvestment through the Revitalising Trusts Project
✅ Meeting and exceeding our ambitious performance targets

Read the full report here 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/scottish-charity-regulator-publishes-annual-report-accounts-2024-25/

Almost 20% of Scottish charities have an online annual return deadline in December. If your charity’s deadline is coming up soon, please ensure you are ready to submit.

You should:
✅ Log in to OSCR Online now to make sure you have access.
✅ Check the guidance on our website to help you complete your online annual return.
✅ Make sure you have your annual accounts, Trustees’ Annual Report and external scrutiny report ready to submit along with your online annual return.

Please note, our offices will be closed from 24 December to 5 January and we will be unable to answer queries during this time.

Find out more 👇
https://www.oscr.org.uk/news/have-you-submitted-your-online-annual-return/