NICVA becomes one of first registered charities

The announcement was made as the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland officially began compulsory registration of all charities in Northern Ireland and, at the same time, revealed the names of the first registered charities.

Tom McGrath, Chief Commissioner, commented: “I would like to congratulate NICVA on becoming one of Northern Ireland’s first registered charities."

“I am also delighted to announce that today the Commission will begin full charity registration for the first time, marking a new chapter in the history of charity regulation in Northern Ireland.

“Registration will bring huge benefits to the charity sector, and to the people of Northern Ireland, many of whom give their time, money and knowledge to help support the work of the very charities we will be registering.”

NICVA works as an umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland, offering a range of services to their membership, including governance and charity advice, fundraising, research, policy and lobbying, training and consultancy.

NICVA was one of a group of charitable organisations which volunteered to test drive the Commission’s online registration system and processes, prior to the beginning of full registration.

The test phase has now completed and the Commission has finalised its online system and registration guidance, with full registration having commenced on Monday 16 December 2013.

Welcoming news of their registration, Seamus McAleavey, NICVA Chief Executive, commented “NICVA is delighted to have completed the charity registration process."

“Charity registration and the work of the Charity Commission is welcomed by our sector and will add to public confidence by ensuring proper regulation of charitable activities.  That is a good thing.  We look forward to working with the Commission in any way we can to make this a straight forward process for Northern Ireland’s new charities.”

It is important to note that registration of all charities in Northern Ireland will not happen overnight.

It is estimated that there are between 7,000 and 12,000 charities currently operating in Northern Ireland so registration will be a managed process with organisations called forward by the Commission in tranches to apply.

If you would like to find out more information on registration, including what organisations will be required to register and any steps you can take to prepare your application, please visit www.charitycommissionni.org.uk.