The regulator will promote transparency by publishing trustees by the end of the year
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has said charities can begin the process of sharing trustee information before the requirement kicks in this summer.
It said charities can begin to submit trustee information through OSCR Online in the coming weeks.
This information will support OSCR’s regulatory work, and the names of trustees will be published on the Scottish Charity Register from the end of 2025 to promote transparency and strengthen public trust in the sector.
This change is part of the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023.
Other measures under the Act, such as OSCR’s expanded inquiry powers, are already in effect.
The exact date for providing trustee information will be announced shortly, however charities are encouraged to start gathering the necessary information now.
OSCR is currently updating its OSCR Online system to support this new requirement and is working closely with charities and sector representatives to ensure a smooth, user-friendly transition.
From summer 2025, it will be mandatory for all charities to provide trustee information via OSCR Online.
OSCR Online charity users will be able to log in and enter this information at any time from that date, and we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
Charity trustees, also known as directors or committee members, are legally recognised as the individuals responsible for the control and management of a charity.
Charities will be required to submit the following details for each trustee: full name; home address; mail address; telephone number; date of birth
OSCR will securely store this information for regulatory purposes and to maintain contact with trustees as needed.
From late 2025, the first and last names of each trustee will be published on the Scottish Charity Register, all other information provided will be for OSCR’s internal use only.
Trustees may apply for an exemption from name publication on the Scottish Charity Register in cases where there is a risk to personal safety or security.
OSCR said it will share more information on this process when data collection begins.
