Legal responsibilities: where can I get more information?
Listed below (in alphabetical order) are a range of recommended sources of further information and advice regarding the legal responsibilities of Management Committees.
Remember! The legal framework regarding voluntary and community organisations based in Northern Ireland is different from other parts of the UK. However, good practice principles and advice will be relevant to all groups.
Local support
Search the Training and Support section for a list of organisations in Northern Ireland who support and advise Management Committees.
Useful links
NI Charity Commission
The new Charity Commission for Northern Ireland came into being on the 1st June 2009.
The temporary website for the new Charity Commission for Northern Ireland can be found by clicking here where more information on The Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, the Commission and the timetable for implementation are available.
Charity Commission for England and Wales
Publications provide best practice guidelines for charities in England and Wales.
Companies House
Useful information and downloadable forms for organisations registered (or wishing to register) as a limited company. Includes guidance on new company law requirements under the Companies Act 2006.
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills: Employment Matters
Provides downloadable information on most aspects of employment practice.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (NI)
Useful information on the social economy and Community Interest Companies (CICs). Responsible for economic development policy and regulation.
Directory of Social Change
The publications section includes guidance for voluntary organisations on a range of areas of law including data protection.
Equality Commission
Provides a range of downloadable publications on topics such as disability, equal pay, fair employment and treatment, race, sex and sexual orientation, single equality bill and statutory duty.
Health & Safety Executive (NI)
Provides downloadable information and guidance on health and safety related areas including risk management and assessment.
HM Revenue and Customs
Provides information on tax, PAYE, rates and information regarding charities under its "businesses and corporations" section. Links to online forms, application and payment facilities.
Information Commissioner
Provides guidance on data protection, and an enquiry/information line Tel. 01625 545 745.
Institute of Fundraising
Provides comprehensive good practice guidance on various issues relating to fundraising within its Codes of Fundraising Practice.
Invest Northern Ireland
Provides training, advice and support to community and voluntary groups who wish to start up a business. Also provide online information and guidance for NI businesses through www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk
Labour Relations Agency
Comprehensive one-stop-shop for information, advice, downloadable publications and free training on employment practice.
Law Centre Northern Ireland
Provides downloadable publications. Provides free legal advice to members of the voluntary sector for an annual fee of approximately £65.
National Minimum Wage Council
Up-to-date information on the national minimum wage and free helpline telephone 0845 6000678.
NICVA
A range of downloadable resources on employment, insurance and good governance available from their publications section. Or contact the Governance and Charities Advice Service for specific guidance.
Supporting Communities NI
Check out their list of factsheets (available to order only) on topics such as fundraising, insurance and VAT.
TIGER (Tailored Interactive Guidance on Employment Rights)
Provides user-friendly guidance for employers and employees on minimum wage, maternity, paternity & adoption rights. Interactive tool for calculating things like maternity entitlements.
Volunteer Now
Download up to date guidance on legal issues and good practice publications concerning child protection and volunteers and the law. Also provides training and advice on these areas.
