The Essential Trustee
A Charity Commission publication setting out all you need to know formally about being a trustee. First published: March 2012, latest updates: May 2018.
What is a charity?
Has a clear purpose or objective that falls within the 13 descriptions that Parliament has agreed are charitable.
Operates wholly for the public benefit.
The 13 descriptions are set out in the Charities Act, and include:
The prevention of poverty.
The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science.
The advancement of education.
The advancement of citizenship or community development.
Regulation
Charities are regulated by the Charity Commission of England and Wales, and and most charitable organisations with an annual turnover of over £5000 must register with the Commission. The charity sector benefits from tax breaks, a good reputation, and access to a wide range of funding from trusts and foundations. It is subject to a higher level of regulation, which could include personal criticism of charity managers and trustees if the Commission believes that there has been mismanagement.
Related resources
Website
Manage your Charity
This resource is aimed at supporting charities to ensure the proper procedures and policies are in place to manage the charity’s resources effectively and, where appropriate, to make changes to their charity. Published: by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland, 2014.
Guidance
Charity Trustee: what’s involved?
Find out what being a charity trustee involves, if you can claim expenses and where to get help and advice. First published: May 2013, latest updates: May 2018.
Guidance
ITC: How to Set Up a Company
A step by step guide to the processes of registering your organisation as a Limited Company.
Guidance
ITC: Legal Structures for Performing Arts Organisations
Understanding and choosing a legal structure for your organisation.
Guidance
ITC: Charities Tax and Trading
An update from the Charities' Commission on tax and trading.
Website
How to Run a Charity: Legal and Regulatory Context
Extract from How to Run a Charity, published by ICSA, focusing on the legal aspect.
Website
Charity Governance Code
The good governance code for the charity sector.
Website
Charity Governance Code Toolkit
To be used in conjunction with The Charity Governance Code, this is a practical tool kit acting as a checklist against which Trustees can note their progress, actions and their points for continuing improvement.
Website
Cause4
A social enterprise which supports charities.
Guidance
Board basics
A collection of some of the most important sample documents, templates and tools for trustee boards from the NCVO.