Could you represent your charity in the Commission’s stakeholder forum?

The forum, which launched last summer with 14 members from across the Northern Ireland charity sector, provides an avenue by which the Commission and charities can directly communicate about issues that matter to them.

“The forum has proven to be a very effective channel for an ongoing and dynamic dialogue between the regulator and charities working on the ground,” commented Deputy Chief Commissioner, Gerard McCurdy, who acts as a link between the forum and the Board of Commissioners.

“Given the forum’s success so far, we are now opening the doors and calling on more charities to consider joining the forum to ensure their charity, and indeed their specific sector, is heard by the regulator,” he said.

The forum meets four times a year and has a membership cap of 30, with meetings providing an opportunity to highlight issues and trends affecting the sector as well as discuss issues such as the Commission’s approach to registration and dealing with concerns about charities, which help to shape the future of charity regulation. The Commission recognises the time commitment members give to their charities and, to reduce travel time, the forum mostly meets virtually.

It is chaired by Charlene Brooks, Chief Executive of Parenting NI and Deputy Chair of NICVA’s executive committee, who brings a wealth of experience of working and volunteering in the charity sector.

“The open call for members comes after a successful, first year for the forum, which is committed to representing the views of Northern Ireland’s charities.” explained Charlene.

“Now, as we embark on the next stage of development, I am hopeful the open call will help us to expand the reach and diversity of the membership, as well as ensure the forum is more robust,” she added. 

While applications from any charity are welcome, the Commission is particularly keen to hear from potential members from various sectors that are currently underrepresented, such as the age, faith and sporting sectors.

Anyone interested in joining the forum can find out more on what the forum does, how it operates and what membership entails, at an online information session being held on Thursday 1 December 2022. After the information session those that have attended and are able to make this commitment will be able to apply to join the forum.

If you would like to attend the information session or are interested in joining the forum but are unable to make the information session. please email [email protected], leaving your name, role and the name of your charity.