Charity regulators

Charities, including faith groups and churches, who work with vulnerable groups, are expected to evidence their safeguarding arrangements. They may need to submit their safeguarding policy and should be able to show that all those (including trustees) working with children or adults at risk have been safely recruited and undertaken any relevant criminal record checks. 

Charities will also need to state on their annual returns that they have met the safeguarding requirements set by the regulator.

Cross-border charities (UK four nations)

Some charities working in different parts of the UK may need to register with more than one regulator (this varies depending on location). Organisations working across the UK will need to be aware of the different requirements of each relevant regulator.  

Charities registered in Scotland or Northern Ireland do not need any further registration to operate in England or Wales and cannot be registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales.

However, charities registered in England & Wales or Northern Ireland may need to register with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator if they are carrying out activities in Scotland.

Charities established outside of Northern Ireland but which are operating in or from Northern Ireland need to notify the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Channel Islands and the Isle of Man