What is the charitable objective of Common Purpose?
The charitable objective of Common Purpose is the advancement of
education for the public benefit, one of the descriptions of
accepted charitable purposes listed in the Charities Act 2006.
In 2009/10, more than 1,000 people received full or part bursary
support to enable them to participate in Common Purpose leadership
development courses. These courses help participants to increase
their knowledge of how society works and their own leadership role
within it.
The Act requires that all charities must demonstrate that their
aims are for the public benefit.
Read a story from one of our alumni about the benefits of the
course both for him and for his local community:
Alex Dick
Finance Director, Preston Road Neighbourhood Development Company
How a Common Purpose course helped a Finance Director take more
of a lead on future opportunities for his organisation, and promote
his facility to new users
How are the objectives described in the governing
document?
The Common Purpose Charitable Trust and Common Purpose UK
charitable objects are described in its governing document as:
"the advancement of education for
the public benefit and in particular but without prejudice to the
generality of the foregoing to educate men and women and young
people of school age, from a broad range of geographical,
political, ethnic, institutional, social and economic backgrounds
in constitutional, civic, economic and social studies with special
emphasis on civil and social awareness and responsibility in the
United Kingdom and elsewhere".
What is the charitable status of Common Purpose?
Common Purpose is a charity registered with the UK Charity
Commission. You can view our entry on the UK Charity
Commission website's Register of Charities.
Common Purpose has been the subject of conspiracy theories
regarding our integrity and our charitable status which are untrue
and highly defamatory. The Commission, which regularly reviews the
charities which it regulates, has never raised concerns about our
work or charitable status.
"We are aware of internet comments
that have been made about the charity concerning alleged 'hidden'
aims and objectives and suggesting that the charity may be pursuing
a pro-European agenda. However, we have not received any evidence
to suggest that Common Purpose is engaged in any activities that
would require regulatory action from the Commission or lead us to
question its charitable status."
The Charity Commission
If you require more information, please contact us.
