Model Governing Documents

(Version September 2009)

If you wish to set up a charity, using one of our model governing documents will help save time. Each of these contains the basic provisions which many charities use. Indeed, existing charities wishing to update their governing document may also find these a useful source for model provisions, with the exception of the trustee benefit clauses.

The different models are:

To use any of these, you will need to print the document and complete it by hand.

You will then need to sign the original version you print off and send it and one copy to us. You should certify the copy by writing "I certify this to be a true copy of the original" on it and then dating and signing this statement.

The following publications are also relevant when registering a charity:

• Example Objects Preparing the objects of a charity can be very difficult to get right: this contains some example charitable objects to help you
• CC3 - The Essential Trustee: What you need to know Trustees are the people responsible for managing charities. Almost 1 million people act as trustees. The Commission is often asked to explain what is expected of someone who is a trustee. Trusteeship carries legal responsibilities and duties and requires time, understanding and effort. This leaflet answers some of the more common questions asked about trusteeship and the duties of trustees. A summary version CC3a is also available.
• Registration Pack The forms you will need to fill in to apply for registering your organisation
• CC21 - Registering as a Charity This publication explains what a charity is, how it is set-up, when it can apply for registration, and how it can become registered.
• CC22 - Choosing and Preparing a Governing Document This publication gives guidance on the different types of governing documents a charity might use. Our recommended standard provisions and the procedure for adopting and amending your governing document.
• CC10 - The Hallmarks of an Effective Charity In this publication, we have put together those characteristics that we think best describe the attributes of a well-run charity, but upon which charitable status is not dependant. It includes those areas in which the Commission has an interest in promoting high standards.
• Publications homepage - for details of our other publications, which includes further information on a wide range of issues including accounting responsibilities and recent developments on charitable status (in the "RR" series)
• Decisions of the Commission Details of the decisions of the Charity Commissioners on the Application for Registration as a Charity by certain organisations.