Resources & Support -
Governing Your Group

It is important that you get the correct mix and representation on your committee/board to ensure that you have the right skills to take you forward.

We offer training on management committee skills, chairing skills, minute taking and many other courses which may assist you. Although there are charges, we are able to help you to identify funding streams which you may access.

You need to form a management committee. This will be the group of people who will ensure that the organisation adheres to it’s governing document and that all legal requirements are met. Our Advisors are here to help if you need assistance.

The number of committee members/trustees/directors you have will be determined in your governing document, keep it to a manageable number and ensure all members are committed and willing to give time to ensure the group moves forward and works towards its aims

Trustees and directors – what’s the difference?
Although there are many names for trustees, their central responsibilities are the same in all cases. However, there are two main types of charity – unincorporated and incorporated. The exact legal position of trustees is slightly different in each.

‘Unincorporated charities’:
These may be ‘trusts’ or ‘associations’. Their governing document will usually be a trust deed or a constitution or a Scheme of the Charity Commission. In an unincorporated charity, the property of the charity is usually held by the trustees or their nominees.

‘Incorporated charities’:
Most of these are charitable companies registered with Companies House as well as the Charity Commission. Here, the company is a legal entity in its own right, and the trustees are the directors of the company. You can get more information about the role and responsibilities of company directors from Companies House. There are also other types of special incorporated charities eg charities incorporated by Royal Charter or by statute. These are not regulated by Companies House.

Your position:
Before you become a trustee, you should find out whether your charity is incorporated or not, as this will affect your legal position and responsibilities

Unincorporated Organisation
Roles of a committee - PDF download