In a 10-point statement published on the government website, the Commission emphasises the importance of ‘supporting trustees and enabling them to comply with their duties; and ensuring that only bodies that properly qualify as charities under the law are registered’.

It added it would improve the advice and guidance it provides to charity trustees, focusing on governance, financial management, outcomes for beneficiaries and standards of good practice.

In December 2016, the Commission raised concerns over poor governance, including high profile cases regarding fundraising and financial abuse.

The Commission’s annual report on its work tackling abuse and mismanagement said it used its powers on 1,248 occasions (2014-15: 1,200), and also opened more operational compliance cases. These totalled 1,327 compared to 1,182 the previous year.

The regulator says it also removed significantly more trustees to protect charities from abuse. In total the regulator issued 14 people with a notice of intention to remove them, compared to four the previous year. Eight of these trustees were removed.

Eryl Besse, deputy chairman of the charity commission, said: ‘Over the last year we have continued to transform the way we work to operate in a more effective and efficient manner and made significant updates to the guidance we provide for trustees. This has already borne fruit for the Commission and charities.

‘Good governance and strong leadership within charities are imperative in securing public confidence; a vital part of this is enabling trustees to undertake their roles effectively. Today we have published an updated statement of regulatory approach, to place further emphasis on our enablement work and the support we provide for trustees.’

The Commission's full new regulatory statement can be read here.