Waiving trustee disqualification

Under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, some people are not allowed to be charity trustees. For example, someone who has been made bankrupt or previously removed as a trustee is disqualified.

If a current trustee becomes disqualified, they must step down. Anyone who is disqualified must not apply to become a trustee.

A disqualified person can apply to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland for a waiver, which may allow them to act as a trustee again. The Waiving trustee disqualification guidance (available in the sidebar) explains the legal rules, why someone may be disqualified, what happens if they act as a trustee while disqualified, and how to apply for a waiver.

At present, waiver requests must be submitted in writing to the Commission via admin@charitycommissionni.org.uk (marked for the attention of the Head of Compliance and Enquiries). The guidance sets out what information and documents must be included.