Religious charities could be set to receive more support and guidance, it has been revealed.

The news comes as the Charity Commission launches its faith and social cohesion unit, which is dedicated to providing advice to those working in such third sector organisations.

Suzi Leather, chair of the Charity Commission, said: "We have a duty to increase public trust and confidence in all charities operating in England and Wales."

Made up of eight members, the unit will also receive guidance from a new Faith Advisory Group, in news that may be useful to those charities looking to make best use of the talent pools available to them.

Although it will initially work with Islamic charities, the commission will meet with people operating in the voluntary sector from a variety of faiths including Judaism and Zoroastrianism.

The project is being partially financed by a two-year, £1.2 million grant from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Earlier this year, thinktank nfpSynergy revealed that it is to monitor the attitudes of people from numerous minority backgrounds, towards people working in the charity sector.

More about talent pools.