Just read a thoroughly depressing article about a charity (allegedly) allowing illegal reclaim of GiftAid to benefit wealthy individuals.  You can read it here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3828896/Ski-charity-fund-used-rich-parents-slalom-round-tax-laws-finance-trips-luxury-Alpine-resorts-children-axed.html

If the allegations are true, this was a clear violation of the intent of the GiftAid programme.  It also strikes me as very unusual and not at all characteristic of the behaviour of most charities.  I truly believe that most people working in the sector and most people who give their time as trustees are well-meaning and not out to take advantage of an unwitting public or to curcumvent tax law.  

And yet...the comments from readers make it sound like they believe this is simply par for the course.  Several commenters talk about "all charities" being "scams" and others talk about how dishonest it is for any charity staff to draw a salary.  it is truly disheartening stuff.

It is clear that there are many members of the public who do not trust charities.  But it is also clear that the understanding of what is involved in running a charity (including the need in some cases for paid staff) is low.  How meaningful is the concept of public trust if it isn't accompanied by public understanding?  And when the gap between perception and reality is so great, is there hope that we will be able to meaningfully bridge that gap any time soon?