Open letter from Northern Ireland’s Chief Charity Commissioner
I am writing to announce that I am stepping down from my role as Northern Ireland’s Chief Charity Commissioner later today (4 November 2022) to take up another appointment.
When I accepted the role in August 2019, neither I, nor my Board colleagues, expected some of the significant challenges that lay ahead. While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone, I was humbled to see how admirably Northern Ireland’s charities stepped up to the challenge during this time. In many cases, charities continued to support their own service users alongside broadening their scope to provide much needed assistance to the wider community.
As Covid restrictions have eased, the pandemic continues to impact the services which charities deliver. In addition, charities are having to deal with how increases to the cost of living are affecting them and their beneficiaries. As Chief Commissioner I have reflected on how charities have stepped up to the plate to meet these challenges as well as the diverse work of the sector. I want to thank those of you who work in it for the efforts you have made and will continue to make in the time ahead.
I am proud to have been involved with the Commission during a transitional stage of its development. During my tenure, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 passed into law, effectively reinstating the full register of charities. This necessary step has provided certainty and confidence for the Commission, charities, the public, funders, and others.
Other notable developments have included work commencing on action plans following the completion of the Independent Review of Charity Regulation established by the Communities Minister as well as the Board appointed independent Counsel review of complaints arising from two of the earliest statutory inquiries. Further highlights have included the launching of the Commission’s Stakeholder Forum and, more recently, updates to the online registration and annual reporting systems.
Against these bigger picture announcements, the Commission’s staff have continued to work diligently behind the scenes, putting in place the systems, processes and education needed for charities to understand and comply with their legal duties. Working alongside staff, the Commissioners have applied themselves to the work of regulation and providing the governance necessary for the organisation. It has been a pleasure to get to know the staff and Commissioners, and to see the dedication, knowledge, and work ethic they have continued to demonstrate throughout the challenges mentioned above. I also want to thank everyone who ensured regulation continued during difficult and uncertain times.
I have enjoyed my time as Chief Commissioner and am grateful to everyone who spent time with me in this role. I have been privileged to meet selfless individuals who are intent on serving their neighbours through the most demanding of times. It is my hope that the Commission will continue its evolution into becoming an enabling regulator which will further assist volunteers, trustees and others associated with charities in performing their roles.
To finish, I want to wish everyone all the best with your future endeavours. The charitable sector makes a valuable contribution to our economy, and I trust it will continue to grow for the benefit of all in our society.
Nicole Lappin, Chief Charity Commissioner