Survey finds an increase in high levels of public trust and confidence in charities
A recent survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the Charity Commission finds that although overall trust and confidence in charities remains in line with 2008 (with a mean of 6.6 out of 10), the proportion of people reporting high levels of trust and confidence in charities has increased (from 36% to 41% giving a score of at least 8 out of 10).
Other key findings include:160
Despite this rise in high levels of trust, and 7% saying their trust and confidence in charities has increased over the past two years, one in ten (11%) say that their trust and confidence in charities has decreased.160
The most common reason for this decrease is media coverage about how charities spend their donations (response given by 28% of those whose trust has declined).160
Indeed, `ensuring that a reasonable proportion of donations make it to the end cause' is the most important factor affecting trust and confidence in charities (42%).160
People are more likely to trust charities generally if they, or close friends or family members, have benefitted from them. However, people are not always aware of being beneficiaries of a charity - fewer than one in three (30%) say they personally or have close friends or family who have used the services of a charity. However, when prompted with activities that charities might provide, around nine in ten (93%) say they or close friends or family have used these services.160
Around half (53%) of the public have heard of the Charity Commission. When explained, almost all (98%) believe the role of the Charity Commission is essential, very or fairly important.
Technical details
Ipsos interviewed 1,150 people aged over 18 across England and Wales from 7 - 17 May 2010. Interviews were conducted by telephone, using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. The results have been weighted to the known population profile of England and Wales. Ten follow up in-depth interviews were also conducted by telephone from 17 May - 1 June 2010.
