Read about
01. Research and plan
Before setting up your charity or community group, you need to conduct thorough research to find out if there is a genuine need for your services.
Check if there are existing organisations fulfilling similar needs and consider partnering with them. You could research this on the internet, at your local library or local authority, and also through Buckinghamshire Council's directory of organisations providing support.
If there are groups already doing something similar, consider working together to develop something new or set up a group in your area.
Once you have established a need, develop a clear business plan outlining your objectives and how you will achieve them. For support with writing your business plan, visit our Planning and Strategy page.
02. Build your team
Every community organisation has a group of people who manage its affairs to ensure the organisation does what it was set up to do, has enough money and does not get into debt, and works within the law.
This group is often called a management committee, an executive committee or board of trustees. To register with the Charity Commission, you will need a minimum of three unrelated trustees and most management committees operate with at least a chair, secretary and treasurer.
When setting up your management committee, it is important to find individuals who are passionate about your cause, and have the necessary skills and experience. To find out more about the roles and responsibilities of trustees, visit Gov.uk website and NCVO website.
03. Choose the right organisational structure
Select the most appropriate legal structure for your organisation based on its purpose, size, and nature. There are several different legal structures which you could choose from – for an overview of each structure, read NCVO’s guidance and watch the LawWorks video.
Need help deciding on which legal structure you need? Book a free support session
04. Establish your charitable purposes
Your charitable purposes should clearly state what your charity aims to achieve and who it will help. For tips on writing your charitable purposes, read the Charity Commission’s guidance and check The Charities Act 2011 which lists 13 charitable purposes.
05. Create your governing document
Your governing document is the rulebook for running your organisation. It outlines your aims, objectives, and administrative functions. You can use model constitutions on the Charity Commission website.
You will need to keep your governing document under review, as the needs of your organisation and its beneficiaries may change over time. Read the Charity Commission guidance on what you can change and what you need permission to do.
Need help writing your governing document?
Complete the request form to book a one-to-one support session.
06. Register with the Charity Commission
The Charity Commission is responsible for regulating registered charities in England and Wales. Even if you have charity status, not all charities are required to register with the Charity Commission.
Charities must register with the Charity Commission if:
- The charity has, or expects to have, an annual income exceeding £5,000.
- The charity is not classified as an exempt or excepted charity. These organisations are not obliged to follow all or some of the Charity Commission’s rules.
- Your charity is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), you must register with the Charity Commission regardless of its income level.
You can find guidance on how to set up a charity on the Charity Commission website, and once setup, read how to register the charity.
Watch the Charity Commission video on how to register your charity
07. Useful resources
There is a wide range of guidance available to you. We have selected three useful resources to help you get started:
Find out how Community Impact Bucks has helped not-for-profits get started:
Share