If you are looking to set up a new charity, or wondering how to merge two or more existing charities - we can help you.  There are a number of formal requirements which must be met and we can steer you through them.

We can guide you (or your clients) through the red tape and legislation and make the process as smooth as possible.  We can assist with preparation of governing documents for all types of charities and handle all the negotiations with the Charity Commission or OSCR.

We are now fully geared up for forming new charities as Scottish charitable incorporated organisations (SCIOs) from 1 April 2011.  We will also be handling registration of CIOs in England and Wales as soon as legislation is implemented – although we believe many charities planning to work UK-wide may find the SCIO is the better choice even if the main base is in England - see our article on SCIO implementation).  We also have plenty of experience in setting up new charities as charitable trusts, charitable associations, and charitable companies.

For unincorporated charities wishing to incorporate – i.e. to convert to a charitable company or to a CIO/SCIO – we have wide experience to support you through all the steps.  We can help not just forming the new charity, but also also the issue of transfering assets, funding and staff contracts between the old and new organisations, and protecting the old and new entities from the many issues which can arise.

Specific services include:

  • Supporting the founders/initial trustees in understanding the requirements of charitable status
  • Drafting of governing documents including advice on wording of charitable objects
  • Registration with the Charity Commission (England & Wales) and/or OSCR (Scotland)
  • Understanding and demonstrating Public Benefit
  • Getting the new charity’s accounts in order after a merger
  • Governance structures
  • Developing a fundraising strategy
  • Responsibilities of Trustees


Once you are up and running, we are able to offer ongoing support through the Kubernesis Charity Advice Service.

For more details please call 01904 788885 or complete the form on the Contact Us page.

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