Ms Delaney has been interim chief executive since April 2024 and was previously director of legal affairs and registration.

Prior to joining the Charities Regulator in 201, she was the head of legal at the Office of the Ombudsman and previously deputy head of compliance with the Pensions Authority.

Her appointment was approved by Joe O’Brien, minister of state with responsibility for charities, following a public recruitment process.

Gerry Kearney, chair of the Charities Regulator, said: “The board welcomes Madeleine’s appointment as CEO.

“This is an important time for the Charities Regulator as we mark almost a decade since establishment and prepare a strategic plan for the coming period. A critical challenge will be deepening our dialogue and relationships across the charity sector.

“As CEO Madeleine will be pivotal to achieving the organisation’s goals and further strengthening the sector, which contributes so significantly to our society.”

Ms Delaney said: “I am really looking forward to leading the great team in the Charities Regulator and to engaging with our many stakeholders as we build on our work to increase public trust and confidence in the charities sector through effective and proportionate regulation.”