About us

Charities are part of all our lives. They range from small groups meeting local needs with few resources to household name charities operating with budgets of millions.

Charities receive support from society in many ways, from donations of money, volunteering time and skills, attendance at charity events or fundraisers, through to small acts such as liking a charity's Facebook page or sharing the charity's news. The public have the right to expect charities to be open and accountable. Public trust and confidence in Northern Ireland's charities is high - we want to make sure it stays that way.

**Help us to improve this website by sharing your views via a short survey, available here**

Whatever their size or purpose, an essential requirement of all charities is that they operate for the public benefit and independently of government or commercial interests.

As the independent regulator of charities in Northern Ireland, the Commission regulates charities operating in Northern Ireland. This means it is our job to make sure charities are meeting  their legal requirements and to work with charity trustees to put things right if they go wrong. In doing so, the Commission plays a crucial role in the development of charities, enabling them to meet modern expectations and obligations.

Use the information and links below to find out more about the different aspects of our work:

About the Charity Commission sets out our vision, objectives and values, and introduces our organisational structure, our Board of Commissioners and our senior management team (SMT).

Equality. The Commission's Integrated equality and action plan demonstrates our commitment to promoting equality and diversity across all areas of our work.

How we regulate charities sets out our approach as a proportionate, risk-based charity regulator, including what our powers are and how and when we use them.

Charity legislation. Information on the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2013.

Contact us gives details on how you can get in touch with us, including directions to the Commission's office and contact details for the Commission's press office.

Making a complaint provides information and guidance on how to make a complaint about a service you have received from the Commission.

Job opportunities is the job vacancies and opportunities section of the Commission's website.

Useful contacts and support services provides contact details, information and advice on charity support services and organisations.

Other regulators details our work with other regulators and organisations.