Charity Setup & Registration Services

With our expert support, most charity registrations are completed within 4-8 weeks from the initial consultation. The timeline depends on the complexity of your structure and how quickly you provide information. The Charity Commission typically takes 4-6 weeks to process applications, but we can expedite preparation to minimize delays.

Charities with income under £5,000 per year are not required to register with the Charity Commission, though you may still want to for credibility. However, if you expect income to exceed this threshold in the future, it's wise to register early. We can help you decide the best timing for registration based on your growth plans.

Both provide limited liability for trustees, but CIOs only register with the Charity Commission (simpler reporting), while charitable companies register with both the Charity Commission and Companies House. CIOs are generally preferred for new charities due to reduced administrative burden. Charitable companies may be better if you plan significant trading activities or need enhanced credibility with corporate funders.

Most charity structures require a minimum of three trustees. For CIOs and charitable companies, this is typically three unconnected individuals. We recommend having between 5-7 trustees for optimal governance and decision-making. Trustees must be at least 18 years old and not disqualified under charity law. We can guide you through trustee selection and responsibilities.

With our expert preparation, rejections are rare. However, if the Charity Commission requests amendments or additional information, we handle all correspondence and revisions at no extra cost. Our thorough pre-submission review catches potential issues before filing, significantly reducing the chance of rejection. We stand by our work and will see your application through to approval.

Yes! We regularly assist community groups, social enterprises, and unincorporated associations in converting to registered charities. This includes assessing whether your activities qualify as charitable, restructuring governance if needed, and managing the transition to ensure continuity. We'll help you understand the implications and benefits of charitable status for your organization.