Charities Act briefing paper

In summary the Charities Act details the 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; introduces the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (a new form of charitable body); and sets out new rules with regard to fundraising and collections. The Act includes the accounting thresholds and auditing requirements and the provisions for the use of independent examinations.

NICVA has been advised that future secondary legislation will include audit requirements for small charitable companies.