Stop Struggling with Confusing Forms and Legal Jargon

Charity Registration UK Made Simple

Get your charity registered properly the first time without the stress, delays, or rejected applications.

Setting up a registered charity shouldn’t mean drowning in paperwork or worrying about compliance mistakes. Whether you’re navigating Charity Commission registration, HMRC charity registration, or Gift Aid setup, we guide you through every step so you can focus on your mission, not admin.

Free Charity Registration Consultation

Setting up a registered charity might seem daunting, but it’s more straightforward than you’d think. Whether you’re passionate about helping homeless animals, supporting local communities, or tackling global issues, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about charity registration in the UK.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly how to register a non-profit organisation, navigate the Charity Commission register, and get your charitable vision officially recognised and tax-efficient too.

What Is Charity Registration?

1. Why Register a Charity in the UK

Charity registration is the official process of getting your charitable organisation recognised by the Charity Commission for England and Wales (or the equivalent bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland). Think of it as getting your “charity licence”; without it, you can’t legally call yourself a charity or have the many benefits that come with charitable status.

When you complete the registration of a charity, you’re essentially proving to the authorities that your organisation exists solely for charitable purposes and provides genuine public benefit. It’s not just a tick-box exercise; it’s about demonstrating that your cause deserves the special legal protections and tax advantages that registered charities receive.

2. What Makes a Registered Charitable Organisation

A registered charitable organisation has a very specific legal definition in the UK. To qualify, your organisation must:

Exist exclusively for charitable purposes (as defined by charity law)
Provide clear public benefit
Be based in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland
Have an annual income above certain thresholds (usually £5,000, though there are exceptions)

Once registered, your charity becomes a legal entity with its own rights and responsibilities. This means it can own property, enter contracts, employ staff, and take legal action in its own name. Your charity will also receive a unique charity number that appears on the Charity Commission register.

3. Benefits of Being on the Charity Commission Register

The benefits of successful charity registration go far beyond just having an official charity number. Here’s what being on the charity commission register of charities gets you:

Tax advantages: Registered charities don’t pay corporation tax, capital gains tax, or stamp duty on most transactions. You can also reclaim Gift Aid on donations, effectively increasing every £1 donated to £1.25.

Credibility and trust: Being on the register of charities with the Charity Commission instantly signals legitimacy to donors, grant makers, and partners. Many funding bodies will only support registered charities.

Legal protections: Charitable status provides certain legal protections, including restrictions on how your charity can be dissolved and protections for your charitable assets.

Access to funding: Many grants, trusts, and government funding streams are only available to registered charities.

Rate relief: Registered charities often qualify for reduced business rates on their premises.

Who Needs to Register a Charity?

1. When Charity Commission Registration Is Required

Not every charitable organisation needs to register with the Charity Commission, but most do. The general rule is simple: if your charity is based in England or Wales and has an annual income over £5,000, you must register within 10 months of your income first exceeding this threshold.

But here’s where it gets a bit more nuanced. If your income is below £5,000, you cannot voluntarily register as a charity unless you structure your organisation as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). If you choose the CIO structure, registration becomes mandatory regardless of your income level, which is why many smaller charities opt for this route to gain credibility and access to charitable benefits.

The key trigger is “annual income”; this includes all money your charity receives, whether from donations, grants, fundraising events, or trading activities. If you’re expecting to cross that £5,000 threshold, start planning your registration early.

2. Types of Organisations That Must Register

Several types of organisations are legally required to register as charities, regardless of their income level:

Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs): If you’re setting up as a CIO, registration is mandatory regardless of income level, even if you have no income at all. This is because CIO status can only be obtained through charity registration with the Charity Commission.

Companies limited by guarantee with charitable objects: If you’ve incorporated as a company with charitable purposes, you’ll need charity registration to gain charitable status and its associated benefits, provided your income exceeds £5,000.

Previously excepted charities: Some religious charities and Scout/Guide groups were previously “excepted” from registration, but many now need to register following rule changes.

3. When Registration Is Not Required

There are still some situations where you don’t need charity commission registration:

Small charities under £5,000 annual income: As long as you stay below this threshold and don’t want to register voluntarily, you can operate without registration.

Certain religious organisations: Some religious charities remain “excepted” from registration, though this is becoming increasingly rare.

Armed forces charities: Some military charities have different registration requirements.

Certain educational institutions: Some schools and universities have their own regulatory frameworks.

However, even if you’re not required to register with the Charity Commission, you may still be able to register with HMRC for tax purposes. Small unincorporated charities below the £5,000 threshold can often register with HMRC to access tax reliefs like Gift Aid, even without Charity Commission registration. Also, remember that you can’t legally call yourself a “charity” or “charitable organisation” without being on the charity commission register; you’d need to use terms like “not-for-profit organisation” or “community group” instead.

Steps to Register a Non-Profit Organisation as a Charity

1. Choosing the Right Charity Structure

Before you can start the charity registration process, you need to decide on your charity’s legal structure. This choice affects everything from your trustees’ liability to how you’ll be regulated. Let’s break down the main options:

a) Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

A CIO is purpose-built for charities and is often the best choice for new organisations. It protects trustees from personal liability while keeping the regulation simple.

Why choose a CIO:

Trustee protection: Limited liability means trustees aren’t personally responsible for charity debts
Single regulator: Only deal with the Charity Commission, not Companies House
Made for charities: Rules and procedures built specifically for charitable work
Registration flexibility: Can register regardless of income level

Two CIO types:

Foundation CIO: Trustees run everything (simpler for most charities)
Association CIO: Separate members who elect trustees (better for membership organisations)

Perfect for:

New charities starting from scratch
Activities involving some risk (events, premises, employees)
Organisations wanting simple compliance
Charities planning to grow and employ staff

b) Charitable Company

A charitable company is a company limited by guarantee that’s also registered as a charity. This means you’ll be regulated by both Companies House and the Charity Commission.

When to choose a charitable company:

You plan to employ many staff or have complex trading activities
You need the familiarity and established legal framework of company law
You’re converting an existing company to charitable status
You want maximum flexibility in governance structures

Key factors:

More regulatory burden (dual regulation)
More familiar to professional advisers
Clearer legal precedents for complex situations

c) Trust or Unincorporated Association

These are simpler structures but come with a major risk and unlimited trustee liability.

Charitable trust: Trustees are personally responsible for all charity debts and legal obligations.

Unincorporated association: Similar unlimited liability for committee members.

When these might work:

Very simple activities with minimal financial risk
Small community groups with limited assets
Where incorporation seems too complex

If your charity owes money it can’t pay, trustees must pay from their personal funds. This could include debts to suppliers, compensation claims, or legal costs.

Most new charities choose CIO or charitable company structures for trustee protection.

2. Drafting a Charity Governing Document

Your governing document is your charity’s constitution; it sets out why your charity exists, what it does, and how it’s run. The Charity Commission won’t register your charity without an acceptable governing document.

What must be included:

Your charity’s objects (purposes)
Powers your charity has to carry out its objects
How trustees are appointed and removed
How decisions are made
What happens if the charity is dissolved
Specific clauses required by charity law

Getting it right: The Charity Commission provides model governing documents for each structure type, and it’s often wise to start with these rather than drafting from scratch. However, you’ll need to tailor them to your specific charity.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Objects that are too narrow (limiting what you can do) or too broad (not charitable enough)
Missing required dissolution clauses
Inadequate trustee appointment procedures
Forgetting to include specific powers your charity needs

3. Setting Up Your Charitable Purposes

This is absolutely crucial; your charity must exist solely for charitable purposes as defined by the Charities Act 2011. The law recognises 13 charitable purposes:

Prevention or relief of poverty
Advancement of education
Advancement of religion
Advancement of health or saving of lives
Advancement of citizenship or community development
Advancement of arts, culture, heritage, or science
Advancement of amateur sport
Advancement of human rights, conflict resolution, or equality and diversity
Advancement of environmental protection or improvement
Relief of those in need (by youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship)
Advancement of animal welfare
Promotion of efficiency of armed forces, police, fire services, or ambulance services
Other purposes currently recognised as charitable and new purposes similar to existing ones

Key points:

Your objects must fit within these categories
You can have multiple charitable purposes, but they must all be charitable
Political campaigning can be charitable if it’s in furtherance of your charitable purposes, but party political activities are not allowed

4. Meeting the Public Benefit Requirement

It’s not enough to have charitable purposes; you must also provide public benefit. This has two aspects:

Identifiable benefit: There must be a clear connection between your purposes and the benefit you provide. The benefit must be:

Clear and evidence-based (not just assumed)
Balanced against any potential detriment
Related to your charitable purposes

Public access to benefit: The benefit must be available to:

The public or a sufficient section of the public
Not be unreasonably restricted (especially by ability to pay)
Not primarily benefit a private group

Examples of public benefit:

A village hall that serves the local community
An educational charity that provides free resources online
A poverty relief charity that helps anyone meeting their criteria

What doesn’t count:

A charity that only benefits members of a particular family
An organisation that charges fees so high that only wealthy people can benefit
A charity that primarily exists to benefit its own trustees

5. Finding and Appointing Trustees

Your trustees are the people legally responsible for running your charity. Choosing the right trustees is crucial for successful charity registration and ongoing operation.

Minimum requirements:

At least three trustees for most charity structures
Trustees must be at least 16 years old
Cannot be disqualified from being a charity trustee

Who is disqualified:

Anyone with an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty
Undischarged bankrupts
Anyone previously removed as a trustee of another charity by the Charity Commission
Anyone subject to a disqualification order

What makes a good trustee:

Understanding of your charity’s purposes and beneficiaries
Relevant skills and experience (but not all trustees need to be experts)
Commitment to attend meetings and fulfil their duties
Independence from staff and major donors
Diversity of perspectives and backgrounds

Trustee responsibilities:

Ensuring your charity complies with charity law
Acting in your charity’s best interests
Managing your charity’s resources effectively
Avoiding conflicts of interest
Making decisions collectively

6. Preparing Your Charity Financial Details

The Charity Commission needs to understand your charity’s financial position and plans. Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll need to provide:

Current financial position:

Details of any money or assets you already have
Sources of this funding
How these funds are currently held

Financial projections:

Estimated income for the first year
Where this income will come from
Planned expenditure
How you’ll manage your finances

Charity banking arrangements:

You don’t need a bank account to register your charity with the Charity Commission
However, you’ll need a charity bank account to receive most grants and donations
Some banks require charity registration before opening charity accounts
Others will open accounts for organisations “pending registration”
Credit unions and building societies may be more flexible with requirements

Financial controls:

How you’ll manage your charity’s funds
Who will be responsible for financial oversight
Systems for recording income and expenditure
Plans for independent examination or audit (if required)

Need Help with Charity Registration?

Get your charity registered properly the first time without the stress, delays, or rejected applications. We’ll guide you through the Charity Commission and HMRC process with confidence.

The Charity Commission Registration Process

1. How to Apply Online

The charity commission registration process is entirely online, which makes it more straightforward than many people expect. Here’s how to navigate the system:

Starting your application:

Go to gov.uk and search for “register a charity”
Click on “Apply to register a charity”
Create an account on the Charity Commission’s online service
You’ll get a reference number to save your progress

The application sections:

About your charity: Name, purposes, and activities
Trustees: Details of all your trustees
Governing document: Upload your constitution or trust deed
Financial information: Current funds and future projections
Declaration: Legal declarations from all trustees

Saving and returning: You don’t need to complete the application in one go. The system saves your progress automatically, and you can return to it anytime using your reference number.

Before you submit:

Double-check all trustee details (mistakes here cause delays)
Ensure your governing document includes all required clauses
Make sure your charitable objects are worded properly
Review your financial projections for being realistic

2. What You’ll Need for the Application

Having everything ready before you start saves time and reduces stress. Here’s your complete checklist:

Essential documents:

Your governing document (signed and dated by all initial trustees)
Trustee eligibility declarations (forms completed by each trustee)
Bank statements showing your charity’s current funds
Any partnership agreements or funding confirmations

Information you’ll need:

Full names, addresses, and dates of birth for all trustees
National Insurance numbers for all UK trustees
Details of your charity’s proposed name (plus alternatives if your first choice isn’t available)
Clear description of your charitable purposes and activities
Financial projections for the first year
Details of any premises your charity will use

Optional but helpful:

Evidence of public benefit (letters of support, needs assessments)
Business plan or strategy document
Details of any professional advisers you’re using

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Charity

Learning from others’ mistakes can save you weeks of delays. Here are the most common charity registration problems:

Name issues:

Choosing a name too similar to an existing charity
Names that don’t reflect your charitable purposes
Including words that need special permission (like “Royal” or “National”)
Not checking company name availability if you’re forming a charitable company

Governing document problems:

Using outdated model documents
Forgetting required dissolution clauses
Objects that are too narrow or not clearly charitable
Missing trustee appointment procedures

Trustee difficulties:

Trustees who don’t complete their eligibility declarations
Including disqualified trustees
Not having enough eligible trustees
Trustees who move house during the application process without updating their details

Financial red flags:

Unrealistic income projections
No clear plan for how you’ll raise funds
Existing funds without a clear explanation of their source
No proper banking arrangements

Public benefit failures:

Not explaining how your charity will benefit the public
Activities that seem to primarily benefit a private group
Charging high fees without provision for those who can’t afford them

4. Registration Timeline and What to Expect

Understanding the registration of a charity timeline helps you plan effectively:

Standard processing time:

Simple applications: 4-6 weeks
Complex applications: 8-12 weeks
Applications needing significant clarification: 3-6 months

What happens after you submit:

Acknowledgement: You’ll get an email confirming receipt within a few days
Initial review: A case worker reviews your application for completeness
Detailed assessment: If everything’s in order, they’ll assess your charity’s eligibility
Queries: They may ask for clarifications or additional information
Decision: You’ll get a decision by email

Factors that affect timing:

Complexity of your objects: Unusual charitable purposes take longer to assess
Novel structures: New types of charity or unusual governance arrangements
Incomplete information: Missing documents or unclear explanations cause delays
Seasonal variations: Applications submitted in autumn often take longer

If your application is successful:

You’ll receive your charity number
Your charity appears on the Charity Commission register within a few days
You can start operating as a registered charity immediately
You’ll need to set up your annual return schedule

If there are problems:

The Commission will explain what needs fixing
You usually get several chances to address issues
Only seriously flawed applications get rejected outright
You can reapply if your initial application is refused

Charity Commission Register of Charities Guide

1. What Is the Charity Commission Register of Charities?

The register of charities Charity Commission is essentially the official database of every registered charity in England and Wales. Think of it as the phone book for the charity sector; if you’re not in it, you’re not officially a charity.

This public register contains essential information about each registered charitable organisation:

Charity name and number
What the charity does (its objects)
Who runs it (trustees)
Annual income and expenditure
Contact details
Registration and reporting history

The Charities Commission register of charities serves several important purposes. For the public, it’s a way to check if an organisation is genuinely charitable before donating. For grant makers and partners, it’s proof of legitimacy. For regulators like HMRC, it confirms charitable status for tax purposes.

Anyone can search the register online at any time. This transparency is one of the key principles of charity regulation in the UK; charities benefit from public trust and tax advantages, so they must be open about their activities and finances.

2. How to Check Your Charity’s Status on the Register

Once your charity registration is complete, checking your status on the register becomes an important regular task. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Finding your charity:

Go to gov.uk and search for “charity commission register”
You can search by charity name, number, or postcode
Your charity should appear within 24-48 hours of registration

What you’ll see:

Overview: Basic details, contact information, and trustees
Activities: Description of what your charity does
Finances: Annual income, expenditure, and assets
Governance: Information about trustees and governance
Returns: History of annual returns and accounts

Red flags to watch for:

Information that’s out of date or incorrect
Missing annual returns (these should be submitted every year)
Trustee details that don’t match your current trustees
Activities that don’t reflect what your charity actually does

Your charity’s page on the register should always reflect its current status. Outdated information can damage your credibility and may indicate compliance problems to the Charity Commission.

3. Charity updates and Compliance Requirements

Being on the charity commission register isn’t a one-time achievement; it comes with ongoing responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know about staying compliant:

Annual returns: Every registered charity must submit an annual return within 10 months of its financial year-end. This includes:

Updated trustee information
Summary of activities during the year
Financial summary
Confirmation that your charity is still operating

You must tell the Charity Commission about significant changes within a reasonable time (usually within a month). This includes:

New or leaving trustees
Changes to your charity’s name
New registered address
Significant changes to activities or purposes
Major constitutional changes

Annual accounts: Depending on your income level, you may need to submit:

Receipts and payments account (smaller charities)
Accruals accounts (larger charities)
Independently examined or audited accounts

What happens if you don’t comply:

Your charity may be marked as “overdue” on the register
The Charity Commission may investigate
In serious cases, your charity could be removed from the register
Trustees may face personal consequences for non-compliance

Registering with HMRC for Charity Tax and Gift Aid

1. Why HMRC Charity Registration Matters

Getting your charity on the Charity Commission register is only half the story. To access the full range of tax benefits available to charities, you also need charity registration HMRC recognition. This is a separate process that’s just as important as your initial charity registration.

Tax benefits of HMRC recognition:

Corporation tax relief: Your charity won’t pay corporation tax on income used for charitable purposes
Gift Aid: You can reclaim 25p for every £1 donated by UK taxpayers
VAT relief: Potential exemptions or reduced rates on certain supplies
Business rates relief: Mandatory 80% relief on premises used for charitable purposes
Capital gains tax relief: No tax on gains from disposing of assets for charitable purposes

While the Charity Commission registration proves you’re a charity, HMRC charity registration proves you’re a charity for tax purposes. Most charities need both, and HMRC will usually accept Charity Commission registration as proof of charitable status.

You can apply for HMRC charity registration as soon as your charity commission registration is complete. In fact, many charities apply to both simultaneously to speed up the process.

2. Charity Gift Aid Registration Steps

Gift Aid lets you claim back tax already paid by your donors, adding 25p to every £1 donated by UK taxpayers.

How Gift Aid works:

UK taxpayer donates £100 to your charity
They’ve already paid £25 basic rate tax on the money they earned
You claim back that £25 from HMRC
Your charity receives £125 total

Requirements for charity gift aid registration:

Charity must be registered with HMRC for tax purposes
Donors must be UK taxpayers who’ve paid enough tax
Valid Gift Aid declaration from each donor
Proper record keeping of all donations and declarations

To get started:

Register charity with HMRC (usually automatic after Charity Commission registration)
Set up Gift Aid declaration system
Start collecting declarations with donations
Submit claims to HMRC (minimum £100 per claim)
Receive repayments within 15 working days

3. Using the HMRC Gift Aid Registration Portal

The HMRC gift aid registration process is handled through HMRC’s online services. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Getting started:

Go to the HMRC website and search for “charity tax relief”
You’ll need your charity number from the Charity Commission register
Create an HMRC online account for your charity
Complete the charity tax relief application

Information you’ll need:

Your charity commission registration number
Details of your charity’s activities
Banking details for Gift Aid repayments
Contact details for correspondence
Expected level of Gift Aid claims

Once registered, you can make Gift Aid claims through:

HMRC’s online service: Most efficient for regular claims
Paper forms: Still available but slower to process
Charity software: Many charity management systems integrate with HMRC

Making your first claim:

You need at least £100 in Gift Aid to claim
Claims can cover up to four years of donations
You’ll usually receive repayments within 15 working days
Keep detailed records of all donations and declarations

4. Maintaining Compliance with HMRC

HMRC charity registration brings ongoing responsibilities. Here’s how to stay compliant:

Record keeping requirements:

Gift Aid declarations for all claims
Details of donations received
Evidence of your charitable activities
Financial records showing how funds are used
Trustee meeting minutes

Regular responsibilities:

Submit annual returns to HMRC (separate from Charity Commission returns)
Make Gift Aid claims within time limits
Notify HMRC of significant changes
Ensure all Gift Aid declarations are valid

Common compliance issues:

Invalid Gift Aid claims: Claiming Gift Aid when donors haven’t paid enough tax
Poor record keeping: Not keeping proper documentation
Late notifications: Not telling HMRC about changes in circumstances
Misuse of funds: Using charitable funds for non-charitable purposes

What happens if things go wrong:

HMRC may investigate your charity’s tax affairs
You might have to repay incorrectly claimed Gift Aid
Your charity could lose its tax benefits
In serious cases, there may be penalties

Staying on top of changes:

Tax rules for charities change sometimes
HMRC publishes guidance updates regularly
Consider professional advice for complex situations
Join charity sector organisations for updates and support

Work With a Charity Mentor

Avoid common mistakes and fast-track your approval with customised support. Whether you’re just starting or stuck mid-application, we’re here to help you succeed.

Ongoing Duties of a Registered Charitable Organisation

1. Annual Reporting and Financial Filings

Once your charity is on the charity commission register, you’ll have ongoing reporting duties that keep your charitable status active and compliant. These aren’t just bureaucratic exercises; they’re how you demonstrate that your charity continues to deserve its privileged status.

Every registered charity must file an annual return within 10 months of its financial year-end. The complexity depends on your charity’s income:

Income under £10,000:

Basic annual return online
Simple financial summary
Confirmation of trustees and activities
Usually takes 30-60 minutes to complete

Income £10,000-£25,000:

More detailed annual return
Receipts and payments account
Statement of assets and liabilities
Public benefit statement

Income £25,000-£1 million:

Detailed annual return
Full accounts (receipts and payments or accruals basis)
Independent examination required (qualified examiner needed if income >£250,000)
Detailed activity and achievement reporting

Income over £1 million OR income over £250,000 with assets over £3.26 million:

Comprehensive annual return
Accruals-based accounts mandatory
Professional audit required
Detailed public benefit reporting

Key deadlines to remember:

Annual return: 10 months after financial year-end
Accounts filing: Same deadline as annual return
Updates to register: Within a reasonable time of changes occurring

2. Keeping the Charity Commission Updated

Your charity’s information on the register of charities Charity Commission should always be current. Here’s what you need to report and when:

Trustee changes:

New trustees: Must be reported within a reasonable time (ideally within a month)
Leaving trustees: Update within a month of exit
Change of trustee details: Address changes, name changes due to marriage, etc.

Significant changes requiring notification:

Change of charity name
Change of registered address
Amendments to governing document
Merger or dissolution plans
Serious incidents (fraud, major accidents, safeguarding issues)
Investigation by other regulators

How to make updates:

Most changes can be made online through your charity’s account
Some changes require supporting documents
Major constitutional changes may need Charity Commission approval
Keep copies of all correspondence and confirmations

The consequences of not updating:

Your charity may appear unreliable to donors and funders
You might miss important communications from the Charity Commission
Regulatory action if non-compliance is serious
Potential removal from the register in extreme cases

3. Gift Aid Claims and Record Keeping

If you’ve completed charity gift aid registration, maintaining proper records is crucial for continued access to this valuable income stream.

Essential Gift Aid records:

Donor declarations: Either paper forms or electronic records of online declarations
Donation records: Amount, date, and donor details for each Gift Aid-eligible donation
Tax year tracking: Which tax year each donation relates to (important for timing of claims)
Donor tax status: Reasonable belief that donors have paid sufficient tax

Best practices for Gift Aid management:

Use consistent declaration forms: Include all required information and make them easy for donors to complete
Regular claim submission: Don’t let Gift Aid money sit unclaimed; it could be funding your charitable work
Audit trail maintenance: Keep clear records linking donations to declarations to claims
Staff training: Ensure anyone handling donations understands Gift Aid requirements

Common Gift Aid mistakes to avoid:

Claiming Gift Aid without valid declarations
Not checking if donors have paid enough UK tax
Claiming on donations that don’t qualify (e.g., from corporate donors)
Poor record keeping that can’t support claims in case of HMRC queries

4. Maintaining the Charity’s Good Standing

Being a registered charitable organisation means maintaining standards that justify your privileged status. Here’s how to keep your charity in good standing:

Financial management:

Proper accounting: Use appropriate accounting methods for your charity’s size
Trustee oversight: Ensure trustees understand and monitor the financial position
Spending policies: Have clear policies about how charitable funds are used
Reserve policies: Plan for future sustainability and unexpected costs

Governance excellence:

Regular trustee meetings: Document decisions and ensure proper oversight
Conflict of interest management: Have clear policies and declare conflicts when they arise
Risk management: Identify and manage risks to your charity’s work and reputation
Succession planning: Ensure continuity of leadership and key skills

Operational compliance:

Safeguarding: Protect vulnerable beneficiaries through appropriate policies and procedures
Health and safety: Meet your duties as an employer and service provider
Data protection: Comply with GDPR and data protection requirements
Employment law: If you have staff, meet all employment obligations

Transparency and accountability:

Public benefit reporting: Demonstrate how your work benefits the public
Impact measurement: Show the difference your charity makes
Stakeholder communication: Keep supporters, beneficiaries, and partners informed
Complaint handling: Have fair processes for dealing with concerns

How to Change or Update Your Charity's Registration

1. Updating Trustees or Address

Keeping your charity’s details current on the Charity Commission register is not just good practice; it’s a legal requirement. Here’s how to handle the most common updates:

Adding new trustees:

Check eligibility: Ensure new trustees aren’t disqualified and meet your governing document requirements
Appointment process: Follow your governing document’s procedures for trustee appointment
Online update: Log into your charity’s online account and add the new trustee details
Documentation: Keep records of the appointment process and any trustee meeting minutes
Timeline: Report new trustees within a reasonable time, ideally within a month

Removing trustees:

Resignation or removal: Follow proper procedures as set out in your governing document. In some cases, removal may also require a Charity Commission order or a member vote, depending on the charity structure.
Update the register: Remove the trustee from your online account
Handover: Ensure proper handover of responsibilities and access to charity systems
Records: Document the reason for leaving and any relevant circumstances

Changing registered address:

Governing document: Check if your governing document specifies the registered address
Constitutional change: Some address changes require constitutional amendments
Notification: Update both the Charity Commission and HMRC if relevant
Other notifications: Don’t forget banks, insurers, and other service providers

What information you’ll need:

Full names and addresses of new trustees
Dates of birth and National Insurance numbers (for UK trustees)
Confirmation that trustees meet eligibility requirements
Effective dates of all changes

2. Changing Your Charity’s Structure or Name

More substantial changes to your charity require thorough planning and often regulatory approval:

Changing your charity’s name:

Check availability: Search the Charity Commission register to ensure your preferred name isn’t too similar to existing charities
Governing document: You’ll likely need to amend your governing document
Resolution: Pass a trustee resolution (or member resolution if required) approving the change
Application: Submit a name change application to the Charity Commission
Approval: Wait for Charity Commission approval before using the new name
Updates: Once approved, update all documents, bank accounts, and registrations

Converting between charity structures: This is complex and usually requires professional advice. Common conversions include:

Trust to CIO: Often done to limit trustee liability
Unincorporated association to CIO: Similar reasons, plus easier administration
Charitable company to CIO: Reducing dual regulation burden

The conversion process typically involves:

Planning: Professional advice to choose the right new structure
New governing document: Draft constitution for the new structure
Asset transfer: Plan how to transfer assets and liabilities
Regulatory applications: Apply to register the new charity and dissolve the old one
HMRC notification: Ensure tax registrations transfer correctly
Third parties: Notify banks, funders, and service providers

3. Merging or Closing a Charity

Sometimes charities need to merge with others or close down entirely. Both processes have specific requirements:

Charity Mergers can take several forms:

Asset transfer: One charity transfers its assets to another and closes
Amalgamation: Two or more charities combine to form a new charity
Group restructuring: Creating subsidiary relationships between charities

Key thoughts for mergers:

Compatible objects: Charities must have similar charitable purposes
Due diligence: Thorough review of finances, liabilities, and compliance
Stakeholder consultation: Involving beneficiaries, staff, and supporters
Regulatory approval: Charity Commission approval is usually required
Asset protection: Ensuring charitable assets remain protected

Closing a charity (dissolution): If your charity needs to close, you must follow proper procedures:

Trustee decision: Formal resolution to dissolve the charity
Reason: Document why closure is necessary or beneficial
Asset disposal: Follow your governing document’s dissolution clause
Creditors: Ensure all debts are paid
Final accounts: Prepare final accounts and annual return
Application: Apply to the Charity Commission for removal from the register
Asset transfer: Transfer any remaining assets to similar charities

Common reasons for closure:

Charitable objects have been fulfilled or are no longer relevant
Insufficient funds or support to continue operating
Merger with another charity provides better outcomes
Regulatory problems that can’t be resolved

What happens to assets:

Your governing document should specify what happens to remaining assets when your charity closes. Typically:

Assets must go to other charities with similar objects
The Charity Commission can direct asset disposal if your governing document is unclear
Assets cannot benefit trustees or members personally

Charity Registration in the UK FAQs

Is It Hard to Register a Charity?

No, but preparation is key. The process itself is straightforward; most applications take 4-6 weeks to process. The difficulty comes from getting your paperwork right before you apply.

What makes it easier:

Use Charity Commission model documents as starting points
Have defined, simple charitable purposes
Choose standard charity structures (like CIO)
Get all trustees organised before starting

Common stumbling blocks:

Poorly written charitable objects
Missing trustee declarations
Unrealistic financial projections
Unclear public benefit explanations

With proper preparation, many applications succeed. The key is understanding what’s needed before you start.

How Long Does Charity Commission Registration Take?

Standard timeline: 4-6 weeks for well-prepared applications.

Factors affecting speed:

Faster (4 weeks): Simple charitable purposes, standard structure, complete application
Standard (6-8 weeks): Minor clarifications needed, busy periods
Slower (12+ weeks): Complex purposes, unusual structures, missing information

Applications in September-November may take longer due to higher volumes.

Pro tip: Submit in spring/early summer for fastest processing.

What's the Difference Between Charity Registration HMRC and Charity Commission?

This is one of the most common sources of confusion for new charities. You’ll likely need to register with both, but they serve different purposes:

Charity Commission registration:

Recognises you as a charity under charity law
It gives you legal charitable status, a charity number, and credibility
It requires charitable purposes, public benefit, and proper governance
Charity must follow charity law, be compliant, file annual returns, and fulfil trustee duties
The timeline is 4-6 weeks for standard applications

HMRC charity registration:

Recognises you as a charity for tax purposes
It gives you tax reliefs, Gift Aid eligibility, and VAT exemptions
Usually accepts Charity Commission registration as proof
Charity must be tax-compliant, keep Gift Aid records, and file annual returns to HMRC
The timeline is usually automatic once Charity Commission registration is complete

Do you need both? Most charities need both registrations:

Charity Commission: Required if you want to be legally recognised as a charity
HMRC: Essential if you want tax benefits and Gift Aid eligibility

The application process:

Usually register with Charity Commission first, then HMRC
HMRC may accept applications while Charity Commission registration is pending
HMRC uses your charity number from the Charity Commission

Key differences in ongoing duties:

Charity Commission: Focus on charitable compliance, public benefit, trustee duties
HMRC: Focus on tax compliance, proper use of reliefs, Gift Aid accuracy

What if you only register with one?

Only Charity Commission: You’re legally a charity but can’t access tax benefits
Only HMRC: Not possible, HMRC requires proof of charitable status first

Different jurisdictions:

England and Wales: Charity Commission for England and Wales
Scotland: Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
Northern Ireland: Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
HMRC: Covers all UK jurisdictions for tax purposes

Get Your Charity Registered Right the First Time

Don’t Let Paperwork Delays Stop Your Charitable Mission

Our charity registration service helps you navigate the process successfully. We support you in handling the complex legal requirements, so you can focus on building your charity foundations effectively.

What you get:

Pre-application review to catch issues before submission
Document drafting for governing documents and trustee declarations
Structure advice to choose the best setup for your charity
Strategy plan to strengthen your registration and guide your early work
HMRC registration support for tax benefits and Gift Aid

Start Your Journey with Evolve Catalyst