Menu
01/06/2009
NI Charity Commission Announced
A new organsiation to oversee local charities has been established.
Strormont's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has today unveiled the first ever Charities Commission in Northern Ireland.
She said the move is needed as the current system means that there is a lack of transparency, potentially leading to a loss of public confidence.
Now as a result of the first piece of Northern Ireland legislation to go through the Assembly, there will be for the first time a clear definition of what is a charity; a register of all charities operating in Northern Ireland; a test of what is and isn't a charity and a charity regulator - who will be known as the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland - established.
The Minister also revealed the Chief Commissioner as Thomas McGrath, former Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
She also said that Patricia Sloan, Director of BBC Children In Need had been appointed Deputy Chief Commissioner and Paul Cavanagh, Angela Chada, Philip McDonagh and Walter Rader appointed as commissioners.
Speaking at the launch in Barnardo's in Belfast, Margaret Ritchie described it as a red letter day for all charities.
"I would like to congratulate charities in Northern Ireland for the sterling work they do, often for very vulnerable people.
"But the system needs tightened up and overhauled. We need leadership.
"We need regulation. We need the public to be assured that the money they give is going to where it should go.
"The commissioners bring with them an array of skills and experience in the statutory, private and charitable sectors and I am confident that they can make a valuable contribution," she said.
"In Northern Ireland we have to date been out of step compared to Britain in that we have not had a charity commission. We have had what at best could be described as light touch regulation.
"I have sought to change this and to provide reassurance and confidence for charities and for the giving public."
Tom McGrath the newly appointed Chief Commissioner said: "As Charity Commissioners we must seek to fulfil our role as a regulatory body but we must not hinder the work of charities.
"Rather we should where possible seek to encourage and support that work within the context of our legal responsibilities," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Strormont's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has today unveiled the first ever Charities Commission in Northern Ireland.
She said the move is needed as the current system means that there is a lack of transparency, potentially leading to a loss of public confidence.
Now as a result of the first piece of Northern Ireland legislation to go through the Assembly, there will be for the first time a clear definition of what is a charity; a register of all charities operating in Northern Ireland; a test of what is and isn't a charity and a charity regulator - who will be known as the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland - established.
The Minister also revealed the Chief Commissioner as Thomas McGrath, former Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
She also said that Patricia Sloan, Director of BBC Children In Need had been appointed Deputy Chief Commissioner and Paul Cavanagh, Angela Chada, Philip McDonagh and Walter Rader appointed as commissioners.
Speaking at the launch in Barnardo's in Belfast, Margaret Ritchie described it as a red letter day for all charities.
"I would like to congratulate charities in Northern Ireland for the sterling work they do, often for very vulnerable people.
"But the system needs tightened up and overhauled. We need leadership.
"We need regulation. We need the public to be assured that the money they give is going to where it should go.
"The commissioners bring with them an array of skills and experience in the statutory, private and charitable sectors and I am confident that they can make a valuable contribution," she said.
"In Northern Ireland we have to date been out of step compared to Britain in that we have not had a charity commission. We have had what at best could be described as light touch regulation.
"I have sought to change this and to provide reassurance and confidence for charities and for the giving public."
Tom McGrath the newly appointed Chief Commissioner said: "As Charity Commissioners we must seek to fulfil our role as a regulatory body but we must not hinder the work of charities.
"Rather we should where possible seek to encourage and support that work within the context of our legal responsibilities," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2002
Bank of Ireland donates over £27,000 to local charities
The Bank of Ireland has revealed that it donated over £27,000 to local charities over the past year. On top of the £22,000 raised by the Bank of Ireland's Charity Committee, Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland also donated £5,000 to NICVA to assist with the production of its monthly publication NICVA News.
Bank of Ireland donates over £27,000 to local charities
The Bank of Ireland has revealed that it donated over £27,000 to local charities over the past year. On top of the £22,000 raised by the Bank of Ireland's Charity Committee, Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland also donated £5,000 to NICVA to assist with the production of its monthly publication NICVA News.
17 January 2012
Support Given To Over 40 Green Community Projects
Local environmental charities will receive nearly £250,000 from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to carry out projects over the next three months. Over 40 projects will receive funding of up to £10,000 each to carry out work to benefit Northern Ireland’s people and wildlife.
Support Given To Over 40 Green Community Projects
Local environmental charities will receive nearly £250,000 from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to carry out projects over the next three months. Over 40 projects will receive funding of up to £10,000 each to carry out work to benefit Northern Ireland’s people and wildlife.
18 November 2002
Housebuilding on the up in Northern Ireland
The latest statistics from the National House Building Council (NHBC) have revealed that applications to build new homes in Northern Ireland have risen by an average of 21% in October 2002, in comparison with figures for the same period last year.
Housebuilding on the up in Northern Ireland
The latest statistics from the National House Building Council (NHBC) have revealed that applications to build new homes in Northern Ireland have risen by an average of 21% in October 2002, in comparison with figures for the same period last year.
19 June 2002
Northern Ireland finance pledge from Minister
No stone will be left unturned in the search for solutions to the current infrastructure deficit in Northern Ireland, the Minister of Finance & Personnel, Dr Seán Farren, has promised.
Northern Ireland finance pledge from Minister
No stone will be left unturned in the search for solutions to the current infrastructure deficit in Northern Ireland, the Minister of Finance & Personnel, Dr Seán Farren, has promised.
12 June 2002
Northern Ireland tops UK absenteeism survey
Northern Ireland has the highest rate of absenteeism in the UK according to the latest survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The survey revealed that absence at work continues to cost British industry billions of pounds and that although the average number of days lost per employee has decreased (down to 7.1 days from 7.
Northern Ireland tops UK absenteeism survey
Northern Ireland has the highest rate of absenteeism in the UK according to the latest survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The survey revealed that absence at work continues to cost British industry billions of pounds and that although the average number of days lost per employee has decreased (down to 7.1 days from 7.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
