Charities urged to review use of registered numbers
Charities in Ireland are being encouraged to review how they use their Registered Charity Number (RCN) in public communications, as regulatory changes are expected to come into force later this year under the upcoming Charities (Amendment) Act.
The RCN is a unique identifier assigned to every organisation listed on the Charities Regulator’s public register.
It allows donors, funders, and members of the public to verify a charity’s status and access key information about its activities, the Charities Regulator has said.
The regulator has highlighted ongoing confusion between the RCN and the CHY number issued by Revenue.
While the CHY number relates to tax purposes, it cannot be used to identify a charity on the public register.
The RCN links directly to a charity’s official listing and is considered a key tool for transparency and accountability.
Under the anticipated legislative changes, charities will be required to include specific details on all public-facing materials.
These include a statement confirming their registered status, the organisation’s official name as it appears on the register, and the RCN itself.
Public-facing materials
Public-facing materials are expected to cover a broad range of communications, including websites, email signatures, stationery, fundraising and promotional items, social-media profiles, and advertising across print, broadcast, and online platforms.
Although the new requirements are not yet in force, the regulator is advising charities to begin preparing now.
The regulator has said there is no need to discard existing printed materials, but organisations should update information as materials are reprinted or replaced, and ensure all new communications include the correct details.
Charities are also encouraged to ensure that staff, volunteers, trustees, and external partners are aware of the correct use of the RCN.