The Charities Regulatory Authority (‘Charities Regulator’) has appointed inspectors to carry out an investigation into the affairs of Peter McVerry Trust Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered Charity Number 20015282) (‘the charity’).

The investigation follows on from concerns arising from correspondence sent by the charity to the Charities Regulator in July 2023 and engagement with the charity since then in relation to governance and finance-related matters.

The Charities Regulator will continue to liaise closely with the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) which recently announced an investigation into the affairs of the charity related to its activities as an approved housing body, which form part of a range of activities and services that the charity carries out to advance its stated charitable purposes. The regulators have a Memorandum of Understanding in place which allows them to cooperate and share information for the purpose of performing their respective functions.

“While Peter McVerry Trust has engaged with the Charities Regulator on the concerns raised regarding its governance and finances, the Charities Regulator has determined, based on its inquiries, that a statutory investigation into the charity is warranted. In order to ensure that there is no unnecessary duplication of activities, we intend to work closely with the Approved Housing Body Regulatory Authority so that our activities are co-ordinated in so far as is consistent with our respective statutory functions,” Charities Regulator Chief Executive Helen Martin said.

The inspectors will prepare a report on their investigation and findings for the Charities Regulator.

It is important to note that the opening of a statutory investigation is not in itself a finding of any wrongdoing.

The Charities Regulator will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.