Charity Commission publishes list of charities in default for more than six months

Fiona Muldoon, the Commission’s Compliance Manager, commented: “Annual reporting by registered charities isn’t just a legal duty but also supports charities in being open and transparent with the public.

“While we appreciate this is the first time many charities will be reporting to a regulator, it is vital the duty is taken seriously and charities ensure the correct information is submitted on time.”

All registered charities in Northern Ireland must, under the law, report to the Commission annually on their finances, resources and activities.

A charity has 10 months from the end of their financial year in which to submit information to the Commission. On receipt of the required documentation, the charity accounts will be published on the register of charities.

If a charity submits their information on time, their entry on the register of charities will be marked in green as up-to-date. However the entry will automatically be highlighted in red if a charity is in default (failed to provide information within the 10 months) or has submitted documentation late.

The Commission publishes a regularly updated list of charities, available to view online here, which have been in default of their annual reporting duties for over six months. The current list, which features 31 charities, was published on 24 January 2018.

There is also a risk that charities which fail to submit their annual return will come under the focus of the Commission’s monitoring and compliance or enquiries teams.

Earlier this month, the Commission opened its first statutory inquiry into a charity in default, namely the registered charity 100 Help the Homeless (NIC100203)

As at 24 January 2018, 100 Help the Homeless was over 500 days in default. There are other matters being investigated within the inquiry, which include a focus on the governance, administration and, in particular, the financial control of the charity.

For more information and support on annual reporting see the Annual reporting section of www.charitycommissionni.org.uk

Ends

For more information please contact Shirley Kernan, Commission Communications Officer, on telephone: 028 3832 0169 or email: [email protected]

Notes to editors

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is the independent regulator of charities in Northern Ireland, established under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

The Commission has statutory objectives to ensure trustees comply with their legal obligations in managing charities, and to increase public trust and confidence in charities.