Helper groups

Several umbrella groups and support organisations offer practical help to charities applying for registration or submitting their annual reports accounts to the Commission.

You can download an information sheet and the latest helper group list (both available in the side bar). These documents give contact details and explain what support each group offers and who they work with. Support varies depending on each group’s capacity.

The Commission provides training and materials to help these groups support others.

Practical help with scanning or internet access

If the person completing your application does not have access to a scanner or the internet, please first check with other trustees, volunteers or staff. If that is not possible, your local library may offer these facilities: www.librariesni.org.uk. Some helper groups may also be able to assist.

Support with applications, accounts and reports

Some helper groups can help you prepare and submit your online registration application or your annual accounts and reports. For example, they may help you use the Commission’s Purposes and Public Benefit toolkit or understand which parts of the Annual Monitoring Return you need to complete.

However, charity trustees remain responsible for ensuring reports are accurate and submitted on time.

Staying informed

Many helper groups share updates and guidance from the Commission with the organisations they support, helping them stay up to date with charity registration and regulation.

Contacting a helper group

If you need support with registration or with submitting your accounts and reports, contact the helper group most relevant to your organisation. Their contact details are in the Helper group list in the sidebar.

Becoming a helper group

If your organisation is interested in becoming a helper group, please get in touch using the Commission’s contact us form.