Regulations of all charities are governed in the UK by the Charities Commission through Acts of Parliament.
Organisations which are not-for-profit may consider registering with the Charities Commission for a charity status.
Accounts and financial statements and trustee details must be submitted to the Commission annually.
An organisation wishing to become a charity has two options:
Option 1 – The Incorporation route
- To incorporate a company limited by guarantee firstly through UK Companies House
- To submit charity registration application
- This has advantage of limited liability protection for individual trustees. However, individuals who are concerned about their risk exposure are advised to seek proper legal advise.
Option 2 – Without Incorporation route
- Avoid the limited liability option and submit charity registration directly to charities commission.
- Whilst this route may be quicker it may not be ideal for every organisation.
- This provides no legal protection to individual trustees. Individuals who are concerned about the extent of their personal liabilities are advised to seek proper legal advise.
- It is important that trustees are aware of the legal implications of the two options available.
- It is also important that the appropriate legal documents are used to mirror the activities of the organisation. The major requirements are to ensure that the organisation objects are charitable in law.
We are specialists in registering charities
We can help draft or amend legal documents for registration