Report for NI Charity Regulation Review published 

The Minister for Communities commissioned a Review of Charity Regulation in NI, led by an Independent Panel, which commenced on 25 January 2021. The Panel was chaired by Dr Oonagh B. Breen, Professor of Law at the Sutherland School of Law, University College Dublin.  Dr Breen was ably assisted by Rev Dr Lesley Carroll, Prisoner Ombudsman NI and Noel Lavery, former Permanent Secretary in the NI Civil Service.

The Review considered the Charities Act (NI) 2008 and the roles of the Charity Commission NI and the Department thereunder. The full Terms of Reference can be found (opens in a new window)here. In particular, it was tasked with examining whether the Commission’s performance within the existing legal framework struck the right balance, in light of best practice, between supporting charities to do the right thing and deterring, or dealing with misconduct. 

The Panel undertook a very comprehensive and inclusive engagement process and has delivered its Review Report with 93 recommendations on changes that could be considered to improve the delivery of services and the operation of the regulatory framework.   The Minister is considering the recommendations and the Department will publish its response and Action Plan in the coming weeks.

You can read the Independent Panel’s full report and recommendations here [(opens in a new window)https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/independent-review-charity-regulation]