Charity Commission Announces Introduction of Charity Regulation to Northern Ireland

The move allows CCNI to begin its investigatory, compliance, enforcement and regulatory scrutiny of all charities currently registered with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for tax purposes, and will begin the regulator's efforts to increase public trust and confidence in charities.

Details, including the names of more than 6,000 organisations to which these powers apply, will be published on a new list via the CCNI website.

Tom McGrath, Chief Commissioner said:

“This is a huge step closer to giving the public of Northern Ireland the same level of protection that is offered by independent regulators in other regions of the UK and Ireland.

“The new powers do not apply to all organisations, and will only affect those already registered with HMRC. However, this is a welcome move towards full registration and the independent regulation that CCNI will bring.

“CCNI was established to ensure Northern Ireland has a dynamic and well governed charities sector, in which the public can have confidence, and these powers allow us to take the first public steps in that process.” 

Alex Attwood, Minister for Social Development said,

“The legislation my Department has made will mean CCNI can begin scrutiny and regulation of a large part of Northern Ireland’s charitable sector.  It is a transitional measure to allow the Commission to begin regulation and investigations of charities registered with HMRC. This is a welcome step whilst I take the necessary steps to remedy a legal issue arising from the Charities Act (NI) 2008 that will lead to the introduction of a full register.”

Up until now, the governance and practices of charities have been overseen by central government. As a result there has been no formal registration and only limited provision for investigation and enforcement of the law through the PSNI.

Guidance on how to approach the Commission with a concern can be found on its website. Any organisation registered with HMRC which has yet to be contacted by CCNI can also find further information on how to submit updated details to the Commission. Both available online at www.charitycommissionni.org.uk.

The step brings into effect some of the key provisions of the Charities Act (NI) 2008; however the introduction of a full register of all charities in Northern Ireland has been delayed by a technical problem with the wording of the original legislation. Plans to amend the Charities Act (NI) 2008 are currently being considered by the Minister for Social Development.