The Charity Commission has appointed a new Director of Legal and Accountancy Services, Jan Lasik, who brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a strong background in law and a deep understanding of the charity sector, Jan is set to lead and manage the Commission's legal and accountancy services, ensuring the legal integrity of its regulatory work and policies. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the sector, as the Commission aims to support charities while also taking robust action against wrongdoing and harm. Jan's expertise will be crucial as the Commission expands its casework staffing and explores innovative technology solutions to meet growing demands.
Jan's career has been diverse and impactful. He previously served as General Counsel and Secretary of the National Trust, and before that, as Deputy Head of Legal at the Bank of England. His early career was spent in private practice at two international law firms, providing him with a solid foundation in legal expertise. Jan's appointment is a significant step forward for the Charity Commission, as he takes on the challenge of steering legal input into the Commission's strategic plans for 2024-29. These plans emphasize the importance of supporting charities while also taking a firm stance against any wrongdoing, and embracing technological innovation to enhance data usage.
In his new role, Jan will oversee the legal teams responsible for registration, compliance, enforcement, and regulatory authority, as well as litigation strategy. He will also lead the Commission's accountancy team, which works alongside other UK regulators to develop and maintain the UK charity reporting accounting framework. Jan's appointment is a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sector, and his contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the Charity Commission's ability to regulate and support charities effectively.