All organisations develop over time and a charity may want to change what it does and how it does it. You must run the charity for the purposes the governing document says and in the way that it says. So, it may be necessary to make changes to the governing document from time to time.
These questions should help you understand how to make changes to your governing document. Each question has a link to more detailed information.
1. Can we amend our governing document?
- Yes - if there is a clear power which allows this. More detail
2. Can we change how we run our charity?
This depends if your charity is a company or not. Look at the relevant option below to find the answer.
We are not a charitable company.
- Yes - but there are some things you can't change. More detail
We are a charitable company
- Yes – but you may need to get our permission before you can make the change. More detail
3. Can we change our charity's purposes?
This depends on if your charity is a company or not, and what its income is. Look at the relevant option below to find the answer.
We are not a charitable company and our annual income is £10,000 or less
- Yes - there's a simplified way to change your charity's purposes. More detail
We are not a charitable company and our annual income is £10,001 or more
- Yes - if your governing document says you can change your purposes. If not, you will have to ask us to make a Scheme to change the purposes. More detail
We are a charitable company
- Yes - but you must get our permission before you can make the change. More detail
4. Do we have to let the Commission know about changes to our governing document?