Elaine Armstrong appointed Chair of Stakeholder Engagement Forum
The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of Elaine Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Cedar Foundation, as the new independent Chair of its Stakeholder Engagement Forum.
Ms Armstrong will formally take up the role in May, leading her first meeting of the Forum on 11 June. The Stakeholder Forum plays a key role in enabling the charity sector to engage directly with the Commission on the issues that matter most to them and the communities they serve.
To ensure a wide range of voices are heard, the Forum is made up of 20 members from across the sector, representing diversity in organisation size, income, geographic location and beneficiaries.
Speaking about her appointment, Ms Armstrong said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair at such a crucial time for the charity sector.
“The Stakeholder Forum provides a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and shared insight between the Commission as the charity regulator and the diverse range of charities in Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to working with the Forum members and the Commission to ensure the voices of charities are both heard and reflected in regulation.”
Aoife Hamilton, Deputy Chief Charity Commissioner acts as the link between the Forum and the Board of Commissioners. She welcomed the appointment: “The Stakeholder Forum has proven to be incredibly beneficial, helping to open new communication pathways between charities and the regulator.
“I am delighted to welcome Elaine on board as our new Chair. She brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the role, and I look forward to working with her.”
“I would also like to sincerely thank our outgoing Chair, Charlene Brooks, for the excellent leadership and support she has provided since the Forum was established in 2021. Her commitment has been fundamental in building the Forum into what it is today.”
Ms Armstrong was nominated for the role by Valerie McConville, Chief Executive of Chief Officers 3rd Sector (CO3), a leading membership organisation that supports, develops and connects third sector leaders in Northern Ireland.
Ms McConville congratulated Ms Armstong on the appointment, adding: "CO3 is delighted to have nominated our esteemed member, Elaine Armstrong, to this important role. We look forward to collaborating with her in this capacity and supporting her efforts to enhance the charity sector's engagement with the Commission."
To find out more about the Stakeholder Engagement Forum, click here: Stakeholder forum | The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
Biography
Elaine has a long career in the charity sector with a background in disability services and holds chartered membership status as a Health Psychologist.
She has worked with Cedar Foundation since 1994, a regional disability inclusion organisation with a vision of an Inclusive Society for All.
During this time, she has been instrumental in designing and delivering rehabilitation programmes aimed at promoting inclusion for people with a range of disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Elaine also has experience of working on European Partnerships to bring additional expertise and learning that can be applied locally, enhancing the opportunities for people with disabilities to have an active role in leading edge research, such as design of Brain Computer Interface technologies.
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.