Information on governing documents for charities, and sample documents.
Contents of a governing document
When an organisation is formally established, it adopts a governing document or set of rules. The governing document is the legal structure of the organisation. It should set out:
- the name of the organisation
- its purposes or ‘objects’: the statement of what the organisation is set up to do
- its powers: how it carries out its purposes
- rules about membership of the organisation, if relevant
- rules about who can be a trustee and how they are elected or appointed
- procedures for calling general meetings (of members) and trustee board meetings
- rules about changing the governing document or closing the organisation.
Different types of governing document
The form of your governing document will depend on the legal structure of your charity.
| Type of organisation | Governing document |
| Trust | Trust deed |
| Charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) | Constitution |
| Unincorporated association | Constitution |
| Company limited by guarantee | Memorandum and articles of association |
Sample governing documents
Sample governing documents on the Charity Commission website
