Governance Overview

Triple Lock Standard

Dogs for the Disabled has been awarded the Triple Lock Standard by Charities Institute Ireland.

Triple Lock status is awarded to charities that uphold the highest standards in transparent reporting, ethical fundraising and strong governance structures. This recognition is the gold standard for Irish charities to offer assurances to donors, members and the general public.

To achieve the Triple Lock, we:

  • Adopted and maintain compliance with the Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public.

  • Prepare our annual financial statements in compliance with the Charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice under FRS102) accounting standard. 

  • Completed the full implementation of the Charities Regulator Charities Governance Code

Dogs for the Disabled are committed to upholding our compliance with the above standards under continuous review.

Governance Overview

Established in 2007, Dogs for the Disabled is a registered and trusted charity that provides life-changing services and supports to children and adults with physical disabilities. We are fully committed to complying with the legislation governing Irish charities and adhering to the relevant regulatory frameworks.

Dogs for the Disabled maintains a strong commitment to openness, transparency, and integrity in our interactions with our beneficiaries and donors. We operate in accordance with established principles of transparent reporting, responsible fundraising, and sound governance. The Charities Governance Code, introduced by the Charities Regulator in late 2018 (available at www.charitiesregulator.ie), outlines the minimum standards expected of charities for effective management and control of their organization.

At the core of our good governance practices is the implementation of systems and processes that ensure the charity fulfills its charitable objectives with integrity and is managed in an efficient, accountable, and transparent manner.

Dogs for the Disabled remains dedicated to achieving the high standards outlined in the Governance Code and will continue to report on our compliance as required by the Charities Regulator.

Annual & Financial Reporting

Dogs for the Disabled prepares a Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements in full compliance with the Charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice under FRS 102). Our latest audited financial statement can be viewed HERE

Ethical Fundraising

Dogs for the Disabled have formally adopted the Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public. Our staff, volunteers and anyone else fundraising on our behalf are fully trained on the requirements and we have implemented controls to ensure that all our fundraising practices are fully in line with the “Guidelines” and any related Codes of Practice. We review and report annually on compliance.

N.B Please note it is illegal to solicit members of the public, in a public space, or by going door-to-door for funds unless you have our written permission AND a permit from An Garda Siochana. A Dogs for the Disabled sponsorship card is for use when collecting sponsorship funds from friends and family and it does not give you permission to solicit members of the public for sponsorship.

Complaints

If you have any concerns about our activities and services, we encourage your feedback and are dedicated to resolving any issues through our Complaints Procedure.