Groups often contact us to find out more about different legal structures for a charitable organisation.

We have sourced some useful information guides from Community Matters which cover this topic in some detail.

Community Matters is an umbrella organisation that supports and lobbies on behalf of community based organisations.

http://www.communitymatters.org.uk/content/462/Online-Guidance-and-Advice

The guides are as follows:

• An Introduction to organisational structures
• An Introduction to charity status
• Charitable Status and registration
• Community Interest Company (CIC) and Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
• Incorporated and unincorporated organisation –the advantages and disadvantages
• Main considerations relevant to different structures
• Duties of Company Directors and Secretaries
• The Charities Act 1992, 1993 and 2006

We can also offer support to groups to identify and implement the best legal structure for them so please contact the Group Support Team (024 7622 0381) if you require support. The Charity Commission does of course provide comprehensive information and guidance on this topic so please also refer to their website if you have any specific questions that aren’t covered in the above information sheets.