Independent Review of Charity Regulation

The Minister for Communities commissioned a Review of Charity Regulation in NI, led by an Independent Panel, and which commenced on 25 January 2021.

The Review considered the Charities Act (NI) 2008 and the roles of the Charity Commission NI and the Department thereunder. The full Terms of Reference can be found on the Department's website. In particular, the Review Panel was tasked with examining whether the Commission’s performance within the existing legal framework struck the right balance, in light of best practice, between supporting charities to do the right thing and deterring or dealing with misconduct.

Minister Hargey expressed her thanks to the Independent Panel, which undertook a very comprehensive and inclusive engagement process and delivered a report with 93 recommendations on changes that could be considered to improve the delivery of services and the operation of the regulatory framework. The Department’s formal response to the recommendations in the report was agreed by Minister Hargey and, is now available below. The document sets out the formal policy response to the 93 recommendations and the Department’s proposed approach to implementing them. Implementation will redesign the existing regulatory framework to allow for a fit for purpose legislative framework and a Commission equipped for the regulatory tasks required of it, which is enabling of charities and outward facing in approach.