Prepared by the Steering Group
Fri 19 Apr 25
Notes
A charity constitution, also known as the governing document, is a legal document that outlines the purpose, structure, and rules for a charitable organisation. It's essentially the framework for how the charity operates, ensuring it stays within legal and ethical guidelines.
Key elements of a charity constitution include:
Charity's name and purposes:
Clearly stating the charity's official name and the specific charitable purposes it aims to achieve, which must fall within the 13 categories outlined in the Charities Act.Who runs the charity:
Specifying the roles and responsibilities of trustees, members, and other individuals involved in the charity's management.Rules and regulations:
Outlining how the charity operates, including membership, meetings, trustee appointments, and decision-making processes.Financial matters:
Addressing how the charity's finances are managed, including rules on investments, payments to trustees, and handling of assets.Changing the constitution:
Establishing procedures for amending or modifying the constitution in the future.Closing the charity:
Defining what happens if the charity needs to be dissolved, including how assets will be distributed.
The constitution serves as a roadmap for the charity, guiding its operations and ensuring it remains accountable to its charitable goals and the public benefit it aims to provide.
