# Concerns over impact of Oxfam controversy in N Ireland - Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/02/14/concerns-impact-oxfam-controversy-n-ireland/ - Published: 2018-02-14T10:40:51+00:00 - Author: Howard Lake **Donations to charities in general in Northern Ireland may be adversely affected by the Oxfam controversy, the chief executive of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has said.** Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, Frances McCandless said she was concerned that donations and support will fall following t[he controversy](https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/02/12/government-threatens-loss-funding-oxfam-abuse-claims/). Charities are nervous and the example of [what happened in the Republic of Ireland](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/11/26/fundraisers-move-deny-salary-top-allegations/) where charitable donations fell substantially after a number of scandals are in their minds, she said. ## Advertisement **SEE ALSO: [Oxfam’s Deputy Chief Executive resigns over staff behaviour in Haiti and Chad](https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/02/12/oxfams-deputy-chief-executive-resigns-staff-behaviour-haiti-chad/)** “I’m saddened to think the reputation of all charities will be damaged because of what’s happened at Oxfam,” she added. Ms McCandless said that so far she hadn’t heard of any charities reporting a drop off in donations and she urged the public to continue to support local charities. She said people should contact charities if they have concerns. The [Charity Commission for Northern Ireland](http://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk) has issued an alert to trustees of all charities who have indicated to the Commission that they work with children and vulnerable adults. The Commission has told charity trustees they are required to have appropriate policies in place for working with vulnerable beneficiaries and robust controls to ensure these policies are effective.   * **[Research finds drop in Northern Ireland giving](https://fundraising.co.uk/2014/09/05/research-finds-drop-n-ireland-giving/)( 5 September 2014)** _Photo: [Oxfam sign](https://www.flickr.com/photos/padkraphrao/4202329101) following 2004 tsunami in Lampaya where Oxfam had built a direct water distribution system from the mountain to each household.  by Unoikorn on Flickr.com_ * **[N Ireland charity commission staff did not have power to investigate charities](https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/06/10/n-ireland-charity-commission-staff-did-not-have-power-to-investigate-charities/)**( 10 June 2019) * **[NI Charity Commission still waiting on regulatory powers](https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/11/25/ni-charity-commission-still-waiting-on-regulatory-powers/)**( 25 November 2011) * **[Charity registration takes a step forward](https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/09/24/charity-registration-takes-a-step-forward/)**( 24 September 2012) ![Loading](https://fundraising.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/page-views-count/ajax-loader- 2x.gif)