CHARITIES ACT (NI) 2008
The long-awaited charities legislation for Northern Ireland received Royal Assent on 9 September. The Act makes provisions for the establishment of a Charity Commission and a Register of Charities for Northern Ireland. The legislation also provides statutory definitions of charity and charitable purpose, sets out new rules with regard to fundraising and collections, and introduces a new form of charitable body. For further details click here
The Minister for Social Development will be taking steps to prepare for the appointment of a Chief Charity Commissioner, a Deputy Chief Charity Commissioner and up to five Charity Commissioners. These post have been advertised.
The Commission’s role will include determining whether institutions are or are not charities, encouraging and facilitating better administration of charities, identifying and investigating apparent misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of charities; determining whether public collection certificates should be issued and establishing and maintaining a register of charities.
If you would like to receive further information on the new Charity Commission for Northern Ireland please contact Kieran Doyle in the Department for Social Development’s Charities Branch (Tel: 028 9082 9427 or E-mail: kieran.doyle@dsdni.gov.uk)