Helen Martin

She has been performing the functions of the CEO on an acting-up basis since last October, and prior to that was director of regulation at the regulatory body.

Before joining the Charities Regulator, Ms Martin worked in the Office of the Attorney General. She also worked in the private sector for over 10 years, holding roles including senior associate in the regulatory and competition law unit of a large law firm and in-house legal and regulatory adviser for two telecommunications companies.

Ms Martin holds a barrister-at-law degree, a bachelor of civil law degree, a postgraduate diploma in business studies and a postgraduate diploma in European competition law.

Commenting on the appointment, Séan Canney, minister of state for community development, said: “I would like to wish Helen the very best in leading the Charities Regulator into the future. I have every confidence that the Board of the Regulator has chosen the right person for this demanding role.”

Patrick Hopkins, chairperson of the Charities Regulator, said: “I am very pleased to announce that Helen has been appointed as chief executive of the Charities Regulator. Helen has considerable experience and brings a depth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

“I have no doubt that her understanding of regulation and drive to deliver our second statement of strategy will be of great benefit to the organisation in the coming years. On behalf of myself and the Board I would like to congratulate Helen and wish her every success in her new role.”

Ms Martin added: “I’m delighted to have been appointed chief executive and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with the great team we have here to build on the successes achieved over the past three years. Our focus now will be on the delivery of our second statement of strategy which we published earlier this month.”