Charity regulator launches new “smart” form for charity concerns

Launching today: A new, intuitive smart form for anyone who wishes to submit a complaint about a charity to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

The new form aims to support individuals and organisations in providing the right information to the charity regulator, when they have a concern about a charity.

Rossa Keown, Head of Compliance and Enquiries at the Commission, explained: “The majority of charities in Northern Ireland are doing a great job; however, on occasion someone can have a concern that a charity is not operating as it should be – and that is where we can step in.

“We investigate misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of charities and, in so doing, work to mitigate any issues as well as take protective action to put the charity back on a proper footing.

“The new form will help us gather all the information from the outset as well as use the data in a “smarter” way, to identify wider patterns and trends across the charity sector, which we can then focus in on with guidance and advice.

“It will also support charity trustees, volunteers, staff, the public or charity beneficiaries in bringing concerns to our attention as well as allowing charity trustees, auditors or independent examiners to submit serious incident reports and matters of material significance."

One of the most high-profile areas of the Commission’s work, the enquiries team investigates concerns received about charities, assesses charity serious incident reports and reviews the reporting of matters of material significance.

In fact, since receiving powers of investigation in early 2011, the Commission has received 1,422 charity concerns and progressed 1,296 to conclusion. Most of the concerns received - 89% - were from the public.*

Rossa continued: “In developing the new form, we have looked to create a simpler, more logic-based system whereby concerned parties are guided to specific sections for their particular concern and are clear on what information they need to provide.

“As a proportionate and evidence-based regulator, it’s vital we receive the right information so we can decide the best course of action. The new form will both guide concerned parties and support us in getting the evidence we need.”

For more information on what you should do if you have a concern about a charity, the types of concerns which should be raised with the Commission and the information and evidence you will need to provide, please see the Concerns about charities guidance available here.

If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with the charity concerned, and think it meets the criteria for the Commission’s enquiries team, please complete the confidential, online Concern about a charity: form available here.

Ends

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

*Figures for the period 18 February 2011 to 25 March 2023

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.

The Commission has statutory objectives to ensure trustees comply with their legal obligations in managing charities, and to increase public trust and confidence in charities.

The Commission operates an evidence-based approach and always tests allegations before deciding on the next steps. The Commission will only take action where there is substance to a concern. The Commission will not act on unsubstantiated allegations, rumour or opinion as to do so would not only impact on our limited resources but also has the potential to unfairly disrupt the charity's work.