Durrell go bananas after becoming island's first 'official' charity

Wednesday 12 September 2018

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has become the first organisation to officially gain the title of 'charity' under a new law which will see all charitable organisations properly regulated.

Jersey’s Charity Commissioner, John Mills CBE, presented Durrell CEO Dr Lesley Dickie with a certificate of registration at the Durrell Jersey Zoo today.

It comes as part of the implementation of the Charities (Jersey) Law 2014, which has led to fundraising organisations now having to submit applications in order to qualify for the title of ‘charity’ and all the privileges that it entails. 

Pictured: Durrell is the first to make the charity register and will now have more information than just their advertising seen by islanders.

Once successful, they will be added to the charity register, which will put all key information into the public domain, so that anyone can learn more about the charity's purposes, finances and benefits to the public. It also means that the charities can be properly regulated, and won't be able to keep their affairs behind closed doors.

Dr Dickie feels it is a huge honour for Durrell to be recognised as the first registered charity in Jersey and applauded everyone who has helped along the way.

“This island has been Durrell’s home for nearly sixty years and this recognition of our charitable work allows us to continue our vital mission of saving species from extinction. I would also like to thank everyone who believes in our vision for creating a wilder, healthier more colourful world.”

Pictured: The charity continues to work at helping endangered species in conjunction with the Durrell Zoo which is home to many species of animal. 

Charity Commissioner Mr Mills said he was delighted to award Durrell the first certificate of registration on the island. 

“The important work of the trust in the advancement of environmental protection is known across the globe and they can now add being the number one charity on the register to their long list of accolades in supporting endangered species around the world," he said.

In the four months the online application process has been open, over 200 organisations have created applications, with 50 of them making submissions to be approved by the commissioner. 

Pictured: Charity Commissioner John Mills CBE presents Durrell CEO Dr Lesley Dickie the registered charity certificate

Mr Mills will be approving more applications in the coming days but says that there is not a rush to apply. 

“There will be no impact in current tax reliefs for any charity provided its applied for registration by the end of the year. Subject to that, an organisations continuing entitlement to preferential tax arrangements will depend on whether or not it is a registered charity, which I will have certified to the controller of taxes," he commented.

Any charities added to the public register will have all their information published and available to view via the Commissioner’s website, which can be accessed by clicking here.