HEFCE is one of several principal regulators. All aim to promote compliance with charity law by the exempt charities for which they are responsible. This requires regular monitoring and occasional more detailed work, including liaison with the Charity Commission on complex issues that might need the use of its powers.
HEFCE as principal regulator
As principal regulator we must do all we reasonably can 'to promote compliance by charity trustees with their legal obligations in exercising control and management of the administration of the charity.
Information about higher education institutions as charities
We publish links to charity-related information about higher education institutions in England that are exempt charities.
Since 2011 exempt-charity institutions have been required to publish on their websites a 'gateway page' linking to core information about its status as a charity. This is intended to mirror the information available on the Charity Commission’s Register of Charities and promotes transparency and accountability of the exempt higher education charities to their stakeholders.
Find out what information exempt higher education charities must publish on their gateway page
HEFCE’s Register of Providers includes details of providers that are exempt charities, and links to the providers' gateway pages.
Disclosure requirements for institutions as charities
Higher education institutions that are exempt charities must make disclosures about certain activities in their financial statements as well as publishing information about the charity on their gateway pages on their web-site. Although our guidance is provided specifically for institutions that are exempt charities, much of it also applies to the institutions that are registered charities.
The guidance covers:
Frequently asked questions about charity regulation
Charity regulation FAQsContacts for queries
If you have a question that is not covered in the FAQs linked above or you need advice on a charity matter:
- e-mail charityreg@hefce.ac.uk
- contact Julian Knight, tel 0117 931 7423