This section answers common questions about how to make changes to a charity's details or rules, and where in the future you need our approval. It will provide links to our guidance and online forms where you need to contact us. 
 

How do I change my charity's Governing Document?

A governing document is the formal document which sets up a charity. It usually sets out:

• what the charity's aims are and how it will meet these aims ('objects' and 'powers'); 
  
• who will run it and how it will be run ('trustees' and 'administrative provisions'); 
  
• what happens if changes need to be made ('amendment provision'); and 
  
• what happens if the charity wishes to wind up ('dissolution provision').
  

Sometimes trustees need to change their charity's Governing Document to make sure it continues to be able to operate effectively. In some cases the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland will need to approve such changes but in other cases amendment provisions give trustees the power to make changes themselves. However, in all cases we will need to be informed of the changes being made once your charity is registered with us.

We will produce guidance to explain what you need to do, according to:

• the type of your charity; 
  
• the nature of the changes you want to make; and 
  
• what it says in your charity's Governing Document.
  

Do I need Charity Commission for Northern Ireland approval? 

Prior to registration as a charity, you do not need our approval.  However:
 
If you are an unincorporated charity registered for charitable tax purposes, currently  you will need to inform HMRC of changes to  your objects or administration clauses by completing  HMRC ChV1 - Charities Variations Form  (available from HMRC website).
 
If your charity is a company which wishes to amend its objects clause, currently the Department for Social Development retains authority to provide such consent.  You should contact the Department in the first instance when you are considering amending your governing document’s objects clause.   You must have the Department’s consent to the change of objects clause before you file your amended governing document with Companies House, and before HMRC are informed of the change.
 
Contact Kieran Doyle at:—
 
Voluntary and Community Unit
Department for Social Development
3rd Floor
Lighthouse Building
1 Cromac Place
Belfast
BT7 2JB
Telephone:  028 90 829427 
email: kieran.doyle@dsdni.gov.uk 

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland will be granting consents when section 96 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 is commenced.