Why choose The Charity Launch Consultancy?

We are experts in charitable status, with more than 15 years of experience of dealing with applications for registration.  Not only do we understand charity law, we can help make things straight forward for you too.  We will listen carefully to what you require and will work with you collaboratively to provide advice and guidance and help you get your charity to where you want it to be.  Why not get in touch with a member of our friendly team and see how we can help you today?

How long does it take to register a charity? 

This really depends on what it is you plan to do and how straight forward it is, we can provide advice on this when we understand your organisation better.  Working with us, you can be satisfied that your application will be dealt with as promptly as possible, with no risk of the application being returned as ‘incomplete’ by the Charity Commission.

How much does it cost? 

Please see our pricing page

What services do you offer?

Please see our services page

Can you provide assistance after we are registered?

Absolutely! Either let your Consultant know what you need during the registration process, or get in touch through our enquiry form.

Can you guarantee registration as a charity?

No, we can’t guarantee success as the decision to register a charity lies with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or in Scotland OSCR, we can however help you take steps to maximise your chances and advise on the likelihood of success before getting started.

When should I register my charity?

You must apply to register your charity if:

• its income is at least £5,000 per year or it’s a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)

• it’s based in England or Wales

The rules are different if you are based in Scotland or Northern Ireland

What documents do I need to register a charity?

When you apply you’ll be asked:

• about your charity’s charitable purposes

• how you run your charity for public benefit

• for proof that your charity’s annual income is above £5,000, unless you’re a CIO

You’ll also need to give your charity’s:

• name

• bank or building society details

• most recent accounts

• contact details, including a postal address

• trustees’ names, dates of birth and contact details

• a copy of your charity’s governing document (in PDF format)

What is the best service to help me register a charity in the UK?

You are in exactly the right place! We are experts in charitable status, with more than 15 years of experience of dealing with applications for registration.  Not only do we understand charity law, we can help make things straight forward for you too.  We will listen carefully to what you require and will work with you collaboratively to provide advice and guidance and help you get your charity to where you want it to be. 

How do I register a charity in England step-by-step?

To register a charity in the UK, follow these steps: define your charitable purposes, choose a structure, draft a governing document, recruit trustees, and then register with the Charity Commission. Ensure your charity meets the public benefit requirement and that your trustees understand their responsibilities. You don’t need specialist skills to do this, but it helps! Please let us know if we can help: contact us

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Decide if a charity is right for you:

Consider if a charity is the best structure for your organization's goals and activities. Explore other options like unincorporated associations. 

2. Define your charitable purposes:

Clearly outline what your charity aims to achieve and how it will benefit the public. 

3. Choose a charity structure:

Select a legal structure for your charity, such as a charitable incorporated organization (CIO) or a charitable company. 

Create a governing document:

This document outlines the rules and procedures for your charity, including its purposes, structure, and how it will be run. 

5. Find trustees:

Recruit individuals who will be responsible for governing and managing the charity. They must understand their legal responsibilities. 

6. Register with the Charity Commission:

Once you have these elements in place, apply to register your charity with the Charity Commission.

7. Consider financial aspects:

Ensure you have a bank account for the charity and understand the financial implications of running a charity. 

Key things to remember:

• Public benefit:

  Ensure your charity's activities are for the public benefit and that this is clearly demonstrated. 

• Trustee responsibilities:

  Trustees have legal obligations to ensure the charity is run properly and effectively. 

• Governing document:

  This document is crucial and should be carefully drafted to meet legal requirements and guide the charity's operations. 

• Registration:

  Registration with the Charity Commission is essential for legal recognition and accountability.