The Charity Tribunal was established on 01 April 2010 to hear appeals from decisions made by the Charity Commission. The types of decisions that can be appealed and who may bring an appeal to the tribunal are set out in Schedule 3 of the Charities Act NI 2008.

Currently, the legislation has not been passed by the Assembly and only certain parts of it have been commenced by the Commission via The Charities Act (Transitional Provisions) Order (NI) 2011. This order can be found on the Commission’s website at http://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk/Charity_requirements_guidance/Legislation.aspx

As the Commission has only limited regulatory functions at present, the areas for appeal are also limited. Therefore, the Transitional Provisions Order should be read in conjunction with Schedule 3 of the Act, to ensure that an appeal from a decision of the Commission is available.

While the commencement of the complete Act remains outstanding, it is recommended that any queries regarding potential appeals should be directed, in writing, to:

Charity Tribunal
Tribunals Hearing Centre
3rd Floor, Bedford House
16-22 Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 7FD

Tel: (028) 90 728732
Email: tribunalsunit@courtsni.gov.uk

All requests for appeal forms should be made, enclosing a copy of the Commission’s decision and should refer to the appropriate parts of the Transitional Provisions Order and Schedule 3, to establish the availability of an appeal.