STATEMENT FROM CO3 – CHIEF OFFICERS THIRD SECTOR

Monday 1 June 2009 

CO3 – the organisation for the leaders of Northern Ireland charities has today welcomed the launch of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and congratulated the six Charity Commissioners on their appointment.   However, its Director has also called for the new Commission to enable and value the work of charities in Northern Ireland and not add additional layers of bureaucracy and cost to already overstretched voluntary sector organisations.

CO3’s Director Majella McCloskey said, “We look forward to the development of clearer standards and greater transparency for charities, which should come about as a result of the new Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.  The establishment of the Commission will allow not-for-profit organisations to demonstrate their legitimacy and effectiveness. However, CO3 wants to ensure that with the launch of the body, Goverment and the third sector can work together to maximise the positive aspects of the Commission’s work, while minimising any additional bureaucracy or expenditure.  CO3 hopes that lessons learned by the Charity Commissions for England and Wales and more recently OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) will be taken onboard by the Northern Ireland Charity." Commission in a bid to reduce any negative impact.  

She continued;

“In meeting the demands of the Charity Commission, there is a concern that there will be a disproportionate amount of additional red tape, which may hamper smaller organisations and deter trustees from their essential work. The Voluntary and Community sector is already stretched trying to meet the needs of people in Northern Ireland in these challenging times of poverty, unemployment and reduced funding for services.  “We hope the Charity Commission will show leadership by raising the profile of the valuable role the third sector plays in civic society and at the same time heighten public confidence in charities and community organisations. It should also help us by keeping bureaucracy to a minimum and providing professional advice and support on any additional administrative requirements that do arise.”

//ENDS 

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