News feeds tell you when a website has added or changed its content. This means that you can keep up-to-date with every website you're interested in without actually having to visit those sites every day to see what's new.

RSS stands for 'Really Simple Syndication'. Essentially an RSS feed is a list of links to new or updated material, provided in a standard format that computers can read easily.

How do I start using the Charity Commission's news feeds?

There are lots of ways you can subscribe to our RSS news feeds: You can use a news reader - a web-based or downloadable piece of software that checks the feeds regularly so you can see what's new. Most feed readers are free. You can also add RSS feeds to a personalised homepage (eg iGoogle).

Our News and updates page gives you the option to add any of our feeds to your chosen news reader. Simply click the link 'I want to subscribe in an RSS reader' below the feed you're interested in, and select your reader from the list that opens in a new window. Alternatively, if you click 'I just want to view the feed', this opens the feed in a new window. You can then copy and paste the URL (the feed's address) from your browser's address bar.

This all sounds complicated. Isn't there anything easier?

If you have access to email, you may prefer to simply receive an email whenever we add or change material that's relevant to you. All you need to do is go to our News and updates page and click 'Send me an email whenever new items appear' below the feed you want. You'll need to provide your email address and type in some verification text.

Once you've done this you will receive an email with a confirmation link. Once you confirm, you'll start receiving email updates. We won't use your email for anything other than to send you these updates. You can ask us to stop sending you emails at any time.