Could you help restore good governance to a charity?

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is adding to its list of prospective trustees who may be called on to provide assistance in a charity either on a short or long term basis – and is looking for interested parties to apply.

Under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, the Commission has the power to appoint trustees to a charity where it is satisfied there is, or has been:

• misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of a charity
• or it is necessary or desirable to act for the purpose of protecting the property of a charity or for its proper administration.

The Commission may appoint a person to be a charity trustee where, for example:

• there are no charity trustees
• there is a single charity trustee and a need to appoint others for the proper administration of the charity.

Commission staff may also facilitate the introduction of prospective trustees with charities facing particular challenges.

To support the Commission in updating its list of prospective trustees, the Commission is calling for applicants to contact them via email to admin@charitycommissionni.org.uk (or by post to Charity Commission for Northern Ireland,  Marlborough House, Central Way, Craigavon, BT64 1AD) to express their interest and make an appointment to discuss what may be involved.

Applicants are encouraged from all areas of experience; however, previous experience at Board level would be advantageous. For a briefing sheet on the legal requirements and guidance on conflicts of interest, please contact the Commission via the details above.

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is committed to equality. The Commission encourages diversity and inclusion throughout the charity sector and is keen to improve this in our role as a public body. Expressions of interest are welcome from all eligible persons regardless of religious belief, gender, disability, race, political opinion, age, marital status, sexual orientation or whether or not they have dependants.

An order to appoint a trustee does not constitute a contract between the Commission (or the charity) and the trustee, nor does it create a legal right to remuneration.