The Cabinet Secretary was speaking ahead of an evidence session in the Scottish Parliament. 

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison will give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee on legislation to update and strengthen charity law.

Subject to parliamentary approval, the Charities (Regulation and Administration) Bill aims to increase transparency and accountability, improve the powers of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and to support and maintain public trust in the charity sector.

The Cabinet Secretary will appear in Holyrood on Thursday giving evidence on the matter. 

Speaking in advance of the committee appearance, Ms Robison said: “The charity sector plays a major role for our country and society. They are widely supported by the public and trust in them and what they deliver is high and we want to keep it that way.

“Current charity law is now over 17 years old and the charity sector has changed significantly in that time. That is why we are aiming to strengthen, modernise and improve charity regulation through updating the 2005 legislation. 

“I am pleased that charities have voiced their support for this bill and its principles which will increase transparency of charities and extend OSCR’s enforcement powers.

“Scotland’s charities raise more than £13billion of income each year so it’s important that how they are regulated remains fit for purpose.”