Changes for charities as act commences
The Charities Regulator has pointed to key changes for trustees now that the Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 has been commenced.
Several changes have been introduced to clarify the legal duties of charity trustees, Charities Regulator Madeleine Delaney (pictured) explained.
There are changes also to the number of trustees that a charity must have, and who can – and cannot – be a charity trustee, as well as the information charities need to provide on new trustees.
When to notify
Charities have always been required to notify the Charities Regulator of certain changes and the latest order has made some updates to requirements.
The registered charity number (RCN) is the unique number given to each charity, and it helps donors, funders and members of the public find a charity on the register and check its details.
This number must now be included on public-facing materials with some additional requirements.
Charity constitutions
Each charity’s constitution can now be published as part of the record on the public Register of Charities.
This feature will be part of the refreshed register, which will be launched in late 2027 or early 2028 with a new digital platform.
Financial regulations
Additionally, changes have been introduced to sections of the Charities Act dealing with the preparation of financial statements.
The minister must introduce financial regulations for these sections to take effect and there will be a lead-in time to give charities time to comply.
In the meantime, the Charities Regulator encourages organisations to review their categorisation.
It adds that the changes will require action for many charities.
Since some changes may take a little time to implement, this will be reflected in the regulatory approach.