The inquiry relates to concerns regarding the administration and governance of the charity.

The charity’s stated purpose is to “advance the Evangelical Christian Faith” by supporting outreach and evangelism projects, including in schools in the UK and Ireland and in developing countries.

The Charity Commission has a statutory function, under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, to identify and investigate apparent misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of charities, and to take remedial or protective action.

Section 22 of the Charities Act 2008 gives the Commission the power to institute inquiries, with the opening of an inquiry giving the commission access to a range of protective and remedial powers.

Barrister Nicole Lappin was recently appointed as the chief commissioner to the Board of the Charity Commission.