The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has recently launched its Strategic Plan for 2015-18.

ACNC Commissioner, Susan Pascoe AM, stated she was proud to be able to provide a strong sense of direction for the sector, the public, and ACNC staff.

“This plan sets our priorities and goals for the next three years,” Ms Pascoe said.

“As we move from the establishment phase, we are looking toward the next steps we need to take to continue to deliver on our objectives.

“Our priorities for the next three years are:

• Maintaining and enhancing public trust and confidence in charities
  
• Supporting charities to be healthy and sustainable
  
• Making it easier for charities by driving regulatory and reporting simplification
  
• Sustaining an independent, transparent and well-governed ACNC with positive culture and a strong customer service focus.”
  

Ms Pascoe said the ACNC was looking to build on the solid foundation it has set. Despite some uncertainty regarding its future, the ACNC has been focussed on implementing its legislation and building solid relationships with government agencies, other regulators and the sector.

“Notwithstanding some challenging circumstances, staff have been resilient and we have not wavered in our pursuit to establish a regulator that charities and the public can trust will act fairly, transparently and responsively.

“We’ve built the freely accessible Charity Register, available at acnc.gov.au/findacharity, that contains the information of about 54 000 charities, and we are committed to enhancing it further and keeping it up-to-date."

Ms Pascoe reaffirmed the ACNC’s commitment to working with other regulators.

“The effective performance of the ACNC is underpinned by collaborative relationships across government.

“We will continue working with other Commonwealth, state and territory regulators, and take a leadership role in best practice charity regulation nationally and internationally.”

Ms Pascoe also highlighted red-tape reduction as a key focus.

“The ACNC will continue to focus on red tape reduction by working with other jurisdictions and agencies,” Ms Pascoe said.

“Together we will reduce unnecessary and duplicative administrative requirements imposed on charities, and also minimise our own regulatory requirements where possible.”

The ACNC Strategic Plan 2015-18 is available at acnc.gov.au/strategicplan

Highlights of the ACNC 2015-18 Strategic Plan

• To develop a fully populated Charity Register with usable, accessible and accurate data.
  
• To analyse and report on charity data to demonstrate the contribution of the sector to the Australian community and identify sector trends
  
• To ensure a high take up of the Charity Passport by government departments to drive red tape reduction
  
• To develop and maintain a high calibre workforce that can effectively deliver the ACNC strategic priorities.