Understanding the Charity Commission

The Charity Commission regulates charities in England and Wales, ensuring they comply with the law, work for the public benefit, and maintain transparency and accountability. Registering with the Charity Commission is a crucial step for organisations to establish themselves as legitimate charities.

Key Guidelines for Charity Registration

To qualify for registration, an organisation must:

• Have charitable purposes defined under the Charities Act 2011.

• Demonstrate public benefit in its work.

• Meet the minimum income threshold, if applicable.
  
  

Timeline for Registration

The registration process usually takes 2-3 months, depending on the complexity of the application and the completeness of the information provided. Submitting all required details and documents upfront helps avoid delays.

Trustee Requirements

Charities must have at least three trustees, who are responsible for managing and making decisions for the organisation. Trustees must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Act in the charity’s best interests.

• Meet eligibility criteria (e.g., not disqualified or bankrupt).
  
  

Charity Purposes and Objectives

Your charity’s purposes must be clear, specific, and legally charitable. Examples include:

• Advancing education.

• Relieving poverty.

• Promoting religion.

• Supporting public health initiatives.

We help refine your objectives to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and align with your mission.

Information Required to Apply

To start your application, we would need your:

• Charity Name: A unique name reflecting your organisation’s purpose.

• Charitable Purposes and Objectives: Clear descriptions of your aims.

• Activities: How you will achieve your objectives (e.g., programmes or grants).

• Beneficiaries: Details of who will benefit and how.

• Trustee Information: Names, contact details, and eligibility confirmations for at least three trustees.

• Governing Document: A draft constitution or trust deed.

• Financial Information: Expected income and expenditure for the first year.
  

How We Help

We guide you through every step of the process, including:

• Drafting and reviewing governing documents.

• Refining your purposes and objectives.

• Ensuring trustee requirements are met.

• Submitting your application and liaising with the Charity Commission.

Let us handle the complexities of registration so you can focus on making a difference.

Contact us today to get started!