Charity regulator launches new Running Your Charity guides

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has launched a new series of guides designed to help charity trustees run their organisations effectively and in line with their legal duties.

Replacing the Commission’s previous single guidance document, the new Running your charity series offers practical advice for both new and experienced trustees, as well as professionals who support charities.

Commission Chief Executive, Frances McCandless, welcomed the publication, encouraging all trustees to keep the guides to hand as a reference point for their decisions and policy development.

“We’ve worked hard to refresh our guidance in a format that meets the needs of today’s charity trustees - not just in terms of content, but also in clarity, accessibility and tone,” said Ms McCandless.

“These guides are essential handbooks for anyone involved in running a charity, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. They’re designed to support trustees in making informed and confident decisions that benefit their charities and the communities they serve.”

The five guides in the series include:

• Guide 1 – Overview of guides: Introduction to the series and how a charity is legally defined.
• Guide 2 – Who are charity trustees and what do they do: Roles and responsibilities explained.
• Guide 3 – Meeting the public benefit requirement: Understanding and demonstrating public benefit.
• Guide 4 – Finance, fundraising, updating and reporting: Good practice in financial management and the importance of keeping your details up to date..
• Guide 5 – Good governance and managing risks: Ensuring effective governance and risk management.

Each guide includes links to additional resources and tools to support trustees in their roles.

The full series is available to download now by clicking here. 

ENDS

For more information, please contact Shirley Kernan, Commission Communications Officer, on telephone: 028 3832 0169 or email: shirley.kernan@charitycommissionni.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is the independent regulator of charities in Northern Ireland, established under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.