Charity Law: NICVA Brief

Consultation on the draft Charities (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

David Hanson, Social Development Minister has announced a public consultation on new charity legislation that will change the way in which Northern Ireland charities are supervised.

The Minister said, “I believe the overwhelming majority of charities in Northern Ireland are well managed. But I believe that it is important to ensure that the proposed legislation strengthens the charity sector and protects it from potential abuse by those who have previously seen the lack of a charity commission in Northern Ireland as providing a soft touch. It is important that the public can be confident that when they donate to a charity that it is well run and that their money is going to that charitable cause.”

The consultation document “Proposal for an Order in Council: The Charities (Northern Ireland) Order 2006” provides statutory definitions of charity and charitable purpose, establishes a Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and a Charity Tribunal, creates a Register of Charities for Northern Ireland, provides for a Charitable Incorportated Organisation (a new form of charitable body). It also sets out new rules with regard to fundraising and collections and is proposing tight thresholds for auditing requirements.

NICVA’s briefing paper on the draft charities order highlights the key proposals as listed above.

Please see the back of the briefing paper for details of the consultation workshops which are organised for September.