14.— (1) The general functions of the Authority shall be to—

(a) increase public trust and confidence in the management and administration of charitable trusts and charitable organisations,

(b) promote compliance by charity trustees with their duties in the control and management of charitable trusts and charitable organisations,

(c) promote the effective use of the property of charitable trusts or charitable organisations,

(d) ensure the accountability of charitable organisations to donors and beneficiaries of charitable gifts, and the public,

(e) promote understanding of the requirement that charitable purposes confer a public benefit,

(f) establish and maintain a register of charitable organisations,

(g) ensure and monitor compliance by charitable organisations with this Act,

(h) carry out investigations in accordance with this Act,

(i) encourage and facilitate the better administration and management of charitable organisations by the provision of information or advice, including in particular by way of issuing (or, as it considers appropriate, approving) guidelines, codes of conduct, and model constitutional documents,

(j) carry on such activities or publish such information (including statistical information) concerning charitable organisations and charitable trusts as it considers appropriate,

(k) provide information (including statistical information) or advice, or make proposals, to the Minister on matters relating to the functions of the Authority.

(2) The Authority shall have all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions.

(3) Subject to this Act, the Authority shall be independent in the performance of its functions.

(4) The Authority may perform any of its functions through or by any member of the staff of the Authority duly authorised in that behalf by the Authority.