Important Legislative Updates: Auto Enrolment and Charities (Amendment) Act 2024

Important Legislative Updates: Auto Enrolment and Charities (Amendment) Act 2024

In this edition of our LinkedIn newsletter, we bring you two significant legislative updates: the passage of the Auto Enrolment Bill by the Oireachtas and the enactment of the Charities (Amendment) Act 2024. These developments have far-reaching implications for employers and the charity sector in Ireland.

Auto Enrolment Bill Passed by the Oireachtas

The long-awaited Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024 was signed into law by the President on 9 July 2024. This marks a pivotal step in Ireland's retirement savings system. However, significant work remains to establish the infrastructure necessary for this new system, including a central AE retirement savings system and supervisory body, investment funds, and service providers.

Key Details:

  • Start Date: The Minister has indicated that auto-enrolment will start in 2025, with January being the targeted month for the first contributions. Employers should prepare for this timeline.
  • Employer Actions: Employers must understand the implications for their business and employees, especially those who already offer pension plans or PRSAs. To avoid automatic enrolment into the central system, contributions must commence before January 2025.
  • Preparation: Planning and engagement with employees are crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Employers should start preparations immediately.

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Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 Enacted

The Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 has been enacted after a thorough legislative process, impacting 35 sections of the Charities Act 2009. This update is crucial for charity trustees, senior management, and advisors to understand the new legal landscape.

Key Amendments:

  • Financial Reporting: New thresholds and exemptions for financial reporting have been introduced. Charities with gross income or expenditure below certain limits may opt for simplified reporting.
  • Human Rights as a Charitable Purpose: The advancement of human rights is now a permitted charitable purpose. Relevant organisations must apply for registration within six months from the commencement of this section.
  • Members and Trustees: New definitions and requirements for charity members and trustees, including the necessity to maintain an internal register of members.
  • Mandatory Notifications: Charities must notify the Charities Regulator of various significant events and changes. Failure to do so constitutes an offence.

The official text of the 2024 Act and commencement order are awaited.

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Charities Institute Ireland Summit: A Day of Insight and Inspiration

Thank you to all our members, speakers, stakeholders and corporate partners?who joined us last month at?the Cii Summit for?a day of profound learning and meaningful conversations, highlighting why charities matter in Ireland.

In an era marked by an unrelenting pursuit of profit and the march of technology that threatens human connection and purpose, the question of whether charities matter answers itself when you consider their connecting role in our society. They are not just important; they are essential.

The day kicked off with an impactful keynote address by Prof. Margaret (Windham) Heffernan, who highlighted the challenges of forecasting in today’s climate of uncertainty. She emphasized the dangers of the relentless pursuit of efficiency, warning that cutting costs too deeply can hinder creativity and adaptability. This resonated with many attendees, especially those in the charity sector who strive to balance impact and return on investment with the need for growth and innovation.

Throughout the summit, a series of diverse topics were explored by our panelists, inspiring growth in philanthropy, developing a growth mindset, building trust in the age of misinformation, navigating digital disruption, and maximizing philanthropic impact through investment?governance sustainability reporting. The final panel session?on influencing the political agenda provided valuable insights for future advocacy efforts.

A key takeaway from the event was the importance of 'convening'—bringing diverse stakeholders together to foster new perspectives and ideas. Creating a culture where team members feel safe to contribute and engage in continuous improvement and experimentation was underscored as essential for unlocking creativity and addressing challenges.

Unlocking the power of Ireland's leading charities is our mission. Charities are crucial players in a fair, equal, and inclusive society. As we approach an election year, it is imperative that our sector has a seat at the table and is a partner in shaping the economic and social dialogue for our country's future. Charities matter for political stability. At a time of deep division, discord, and fiscal inequality, we foster and support social cohesion for a connected and stable society. While wealth is consolidating into the hands of fewer and fewer people, our economic equality depends on a thriving and valued not-for-profit sector to protect and provide access to services and resources for everyone who needs them.

The Summit was not only educational but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with our members, partners and stakeholders who are dedicated to ensuring that charities remain vital and impactful. It reinforced the sentiment that a world without charities would lack love and compassion.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our event sponsor, Mercer Ireland , whose generous support made this event possible. Together, we are committed to ensuring that charities matter to everyone, every day.

Keynote address: Dr Margaret (Windham) Heffernan
Picture an Ireland Without Charities: Panel Discussion
Building Trust and Reputation in The Age of Disinformation: Panel Discussion
Inspiring Philanthropy: Panel Discussion
Thriving Through Chance: Panel Discussion
Maximising Philanthropic Impact Through Investment Governance: Panel Discussion
Navigating Digital Disruption: Panel Discussion
Political Panel Discussion

Finance Leadership Network - 17th October 2024

The Charities Institute Ireland Finance Leadership Network is scheduled to take place at the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin on October 17th, from 15:30 to 17:00.

On the Agenda:

An introduction into how Enterprise Risk Management(ERM) can help charities achieve their strategic aims and objectives; taking a deeper dive into the concept of ERM and how it can bring great value to any sized charity as a tool and enabler whilst building resilience. Ecclesiastical will also provide an overview of their own ERM consultancy support services that can help CII member charities to implement new or build and strengthen existing Enterprise Risk Management frameworks to navigate what currently feels like a very turbulent risk landscape. Thanks to our partners at Ecclesiastical Insurance Office (Ireland) .

Book your place here






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