Setting up your organisation – practical steps
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) have produced useful information for you to consider when setting up your organisation. This is available via the following links and includes: your organisation’s legal structure, whether you need to register your charity, and information about governing documents.
The Charity Commission also has a step-by-step guide for setting up a charity, including information on whether you need to register with the Charity Commission.
Legal structure
NCVO have produced a guide to give you detailed information on what to consider when choosing your legal structure and the main characteristics of each legal structure.
The Charity Commission has also produced guidance on choosing a legal structure here.
Finding local support – England
If you need further support and guidance, you can contact your local voluntary sector support organisation. They can help you choose your legal structure, set up governing documents and get registered. National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) members have information about what is happening in your local area and will be able to connect you to appropriate resources or support.
Setting up a governing document
NCVO have produced this guide giving detailed information on what a charity’s governing document is and what it should include.
Small charities checklist
A comprehensive guide from NCVO, providing step-by-step guidance for setting up a charity, from the initial idea through to registration.
Excepted Charities
Some charities in England are ‘excepted’ from charity registration. They don’t have to register or submit annual returns to the Charity Commission. Apart from that, the Commission regulates them just like registered charities. Most exceptions are permanent.